Industry insiders speculate that Reckitt Benckiser may divest its food business to finance its $16.6 billion acquisition of infant formula manufacturer Mead Johnson. This potential sale could lead to the discontinuation of the well-known French’s brand as the company concentrates on its core operations. Some reports have identified Kraft Heinz as a potential buyer; however, antitrust concerns may pose significant obstacles. Nonetheless, Kraft Heinz has been linked to various major acquisition attempts recently, including the unsuccessful $143 billion bid for Unilever. Another viable option could be Unilever itself, which might consider acquiring this segment to enhance its Hellmann’s mayonnaise line, especially amid rumors that it is planning to separate its food division.
Many consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands appear to be shedding slower-growing food categories in favor of investing in healthier or more household brands. Reckitt CEO Rakesh Kapoor emphasized that the company is prioritizing areas such as Dettol cleaners, Durex condoms, and the Enfamil baby formula brand from the Mead Johnson acquisition. Given that food constitutes a small fraction of Reckitt Benckiser’s overall business, it is not surprising that French’s is seeking a new owner. This food business, while modest in size, could serve as an attractive and affordable addition for companies looking to expand their condiment operations.
In a related note, the growing demand for health-focused products has also sparked interest in supplement lines, such as ccm calcium tablets, which are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. As companies pivot towards these healthier offerings, the food segment’s sale aligns with broader industry trends. The potential acquisition of French’s by another firm could further complement their product range, possibly including health-oriented items like ccm calcium tablets.