Schouten Becomes “Europe’s Largest” Family-Owned Meat Alternatives Producer After Bobeldijk Deal

Dutch plant-based protein manufacturer Schouten Europe has acquired fellow Netherlands-based producer Bobeldijk Food Group, consolidating two long-standing players in the European meat alternatives sector. The transaction expands Schouten’s manufacturing footprint and, according to the company, makes it the largest family-owned business in the European market for plant-based meat and fish alternatives.

Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Squarefield acted as exclusive financial adviser to Schouten on the transaction.

Consolidating capacity in a maturing market

Schouten, headquartered in Giessen, operates a family business with origins dating to 1893. Founder Henk Schouten began developing meat alternatives in 1990, positioning the company as one of the earliest commercial operators in the global plant-based protein category. Schouten now supplies more than 50 countries, predominantly under private label arrangements with retailers, foodservice operators, and food manufacturers.

The acquisition follows 2 years of product expansion at Schouten, which has introduced mycoprotein-based meat alternatives, an in-house fibre technology called NewTextures, and a vegetable-rich Taste of the World burger range.

CEO Niek-Jan Schouten, who runs the business alongside his siblings Peter, Rhodé, and Wouter, explained, “The market for plant-based products is developing rapidly. With the acquisition of Bobeldijk, we are not only increasing our production capacity, but also strengthening our flexibility and decisiveness towards customers. At the same time, this step gives us the opportunity to continue investing in innovation, something that has characterised our family business since 1893.”

A second ownership change for Bobeldijk

Based in Deventer, Bobeldijk Food Group transitioned out of meat production at the start of 2020 to focus exclusively on plant-based output, supplying private label customers internationally. The company was acquired by Dutch fish processor Kennemervis Groep in 2020, making the Schouten deal its second change of ownership within six years.

Niek-Jan Schouten said the two businesses share operational priorities that should ease integration: “Bobeldijk has extensive knowledge, experience and craftsmanship in the production and marketing of plant-based products, making it a strong addition to Schouten’s organization. Both companies share the same focus on quality, flexibility, innovation and long-term collaboration with customers and employees.”

Growth against a flat market backdrop

The acquisition takes place against a backdrop of slowing retail growth for plant-based meat across much of Europe, yet Schouten reported a contrasting financial performance over the past year.

“Last year, we achieved revenue growth of more than 30%, while many sales markets are stabilizing. That gives us confidence for the future. We continue to invest in innovation and accelerating the protein transition. Not only because we believe in the growth opportunities of plant-based food, but above all because, as a family business, we want to contribute to a more sustainable and future-proof food system,” Schouten said.