Edgard & Cooper acquired by General Mills

Edgard & Cooper, the fast-growing Flemish producer of dog and cat food, has been acquired by US multinational General Mills. The three founders will remain at the helm.

Sustainable and healthy

General Mills has completed the acquisition of Edgard & Cooper, producer of premium dry food, wet food and snacks for dogs and cats. The Kortrijk-based company, founded in 2016, remains a separate operating unit within the listed group led by its three founders, Koen Bostoen, Louis Chalabi and Jürgen Degrande.

Edgard & Cooper sold more than 100 million euros worth of pet food in 13 countries in 2023, but is still loss-making. The brand’s strengths include its omnichannel distribution strategy, focus on sustainability and the use of fresh ingredients in balanced recipes. The products are available in supermarkets, garden centres, pet shops and online.

Acquirer General Mills accounts for sales of some 20 billion dollars (18.6 billion euros) with well-known brands such as Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Yoplait, Nature Valley and Cheerios. In pet food, the group already has the Blue Buffalo brand, acquired in 2018.