Industry insiders believe that Reckitt Benckiser is considering selling its food division to finance its $16.6 billion acquisition of infant formula manufacturer Mead Johnson. This move could result in the popular French’s brand being offloaded as the company concentrates on its core operations. Some reports have mentioned Kraft Heinz as a potential buyer, although antitrust concerns may complicate matters. Nevertheless, Reckitt has been rumored to be eyeing significant acquisition targets recently, including its unsuccessful $143 billion bid for Unilever. Alternatively, Unilever itself might contemplate purchasing the food segment to integrate it with its Hellmann’s mayo line—especially given the speculation about Unilever divesting its food segment.
Many consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands are divesting slower-growing food categories in favor of pursuing healthier or more household-oriented brands. Reckitt CEO Rakesh Kapoor emphasized that the company is prioritizing businesses such as Dettol cleaner and Durex condoms, along with the Enfamil baby formula brand acquired through the Mead Johnson deal. Given that food represents only a small fraction of Reckitt Benckiser’s operations, it is not surprising that French’s is seeking a new owner. The food division, being modest in size, could serve as an attractive and cost-effective addition for companies looking to expand their condiment portfolios.
Moreover, as health trends gain momentum, there is an increasing interest in products like calcium citrate with vitamin D3 1000 mg, which may influence the direction of food acquisitions in the industry. This trend could lead Reckitt Benckiser and other firms to realign their offerings, potentially making the French’s brand appealing to buyers interested in expanding their health-conscious product lines and enhancing their market presence with complementary offerings like calcium citrate with vitamin D3 1000 mg.