On 9 May 2022, Oriens Capital Fund 2 LP announced the acquisition of Van Dyck Fine Foods Limited (VDFF), a New Plymouth based specialist food manufacturer. The transaction completes on 30 May 2022 and will mark the second investment in Oriens Capital’s second fund.
Oriens Capital is delighted to acquire VDFF from its founders, Ingrid Vercammen and Marcel Naenen who, along with the Board and wider team have built a high-quality specialist food manufacturing business. VDFF has become a significant employer in Taranaki. Oriens will partner with the existing management team led by CEO Natalie Innes, to continue the strong track record of growth.
As a result of the change of ownership, Oriens Capital will appoint Peter Tinholt, David Bell (interim) and Jessie Plumpton to the Board of Directors. Jessie has significant New Zealand and international food manufacturing experience and is a highly regarded operationally focussed expert. An independent director will be appointed in the near future.
Oriens Partner Peter Tinholt commented “the quality of VDFF’s products, the continuous improvements and the superb relationships the team has built over the years in New Zealand and overseas has made VDFF a success story for Taranaki. We are excited to be part of VDFF’s next phase of growth and future success”.
About Van Dyck Fine Foods Limited
VDFF was founded in New Plymouth in 1999 and has grown to become the market leader in hotplate baked, frozen thaw-back convenience foods. It offers three core product types – pancakes and pikelets, minis (sweet) and blinis (savoury), and crepes. The business is the category leader in New Zealand and is gaining significant traction in Australia as a result of superior high-quality products.
Products are sold either under the “Marcel’s” brand, through supermarkets’ private label or by contract manufacturing for other food brands. All products are individually frozen, then packed and distributed across New Zealand and Australia via supermarket and foodservice channels.
VDFF operates from a purpose-built factory located in New Plymouth, led by Natalie Innes (CEO).
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