(QCOSTARICA) Milk and candies is the latest strategy by Costa Rica’s major milk cooperative, Dos Pinos, with the purchase of candymaker, Gallito.
The Cooperativa de Productores de Leche Dos Pinos on Wednesday announced its acquisition of Gallito from the multinational Mondelez.
The iconic Gallito candy brand has been a fixture in Costa Rica for more than a century.
Earlier this year, Mondelez announced the closure of the Costa Rica plant and relocation of operations to Mexico, a move that would have meant the loss of 300 jobs. Half of those have already disappeared, when Mondelez moved the drink mix and gelatin operations to Mexico.
Gonzalo Chaves, Dos Pinos general manager, emphasized “Gallito returns to Costa Rican hands”, meanwhile assuring that “the heart of the company will remain dairy” although it will now add candies and chocolates to its product line.
The remaining 150 employees of the 107-year-old Gallito company will now become part of the Dos Pinos family in a process of transition of operations that is expected to end by December 1.
“Gallito represents a lot for our company and for Costa Rica, this demonstrate once again our interest in that the brand continues to produce in the country,” said Juan Ignacion Muñoz, director of operations Mondelez International.
The Minister of Economy, Welmer Ramos, congratulated Dos Pinos and stressed that this transaction reflects the climate of macroeconomic stability prevailing in the country.
“Dos Pinos has been a successful company in the development and marketing of its multiple products and brands, so we are confident that this, purchase will boost the national confectionery industry, moreover, it is equally important for all national suppliers, ” added the minister.
Last month, Dos Pinos announced the purchase of Bemix, the soft drink and juice manufacturer in Heredia; in June it announced the acquisition of the La Completa dairy plant in Nicaragua, all part of the company’s US$45 million dollar investment plan to diversify its business.
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