Lactalis South Africa has officially received approval from the Competition Commission to acquire one of South Africa’s most well-known brands, Cremora. This acquisition includes Cremora’s employees and production facilities in Babelegi, Gauteng, and Potchefstroom, North West.
Cremora has been a staple in South African households for 77 years and became an integral part of the country’s coffee culture in 1961. Originally produced by Borden Foods Corporation (Ohio), the brand was taken over by Nestlé South Africa in 1993. Five years later, Nestlé established the Babelegi factory, which now produces cereal, noodles, and Cremora coffee creamer. By 2016, this facility was producing 130 tons of Cremora daily.
Cremora gained widespread recognition through its famous advertising slogan, “It’s not inside, it’s on top,” and continues to be a preferred coffee creamer for one in five coffee drinkers in South Africa.
Lactalis South Africa sees this acquisition as a strategic move to expand its product range and better serve local consumer preferences.
“This aligns with our strategy of broadening our offerings to cater to local tastes. We are proud to welcome Cremora into our brand family,” said Herman Janse van Rensburg, General Manager of Lactalis South Africa.
He emphasized that Lactalis’ strong legacy, combined with Cremora’s expertise, will drive continued success.
“We are excited to integrate Cremora into our operations and ensure a smooth transition for employees, suppliers, distributors, and consumers,” he added.
With this acquisition, Lactalis South Africa strengthens its presence in the local dairy market while preserving the rich heritage of Cremora.