Nexture Acquires La Crema, Expands Middle East Presence

Nexture spa, a significant player in the food ingredients sector backed by Investindustrial, is accelerating its international expansion with a strategic acquisition in the Middle East. The company has entered into an agreement to acquire La Crema, a Dubai-based manufacturer specializing in chocolate and value-added ingredients for the gelato, bakery, and premium pastry industries. This move marks Nexture's first manufacturing facility in the region, signaling a robust commitment to broadening its global production capabilities.

The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, is anticipated to finalize by the end of 2026. La Crema, established in 2016 by Bilal Khalifeh, initially operated as a trading entity focused on the HoReCa channel before venturing into direct production in 2018. The acquisition is expected to significantly bolster Nexture's product portfolio and market reach within the confectionery and dessert ingredients segment, a sector experiencing steady growth driven by consumer demand for premium and specialized food products.

This expansion into Dubai positions Nexture to capitalize on the dynamic Middle Eastern market, a region with a growing appetite for high-quality food ingredients and a burgeoning food service industry. The integration of La Crema's operations is projected to enhance Nexture's supply chain efficiency and customer service across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Industry analysts note that strategic acquisitions like this are crucial for ingredient suppliers aiming to establish a strong local presence and adapt to diverse regional tastes and regulatory environments.

Upon completion, the combined entity is projected to achieve pro-forma revenues of approximately €1.2 billion and employ over 2,900 individuals worldwide. This substantial scale underscores Nexture's ambition to become a global leader in its field. The food ingredients market, valued at over $150 billion globally and projected to grow at a CAGR of around 5-6% in the coming years, offers significant opportunities for consolidation and innovation, areas where Nexture, under Investindustrial's guidance, appears to be strategically focused.

The acquisition of La Crema aligns with Nexture's established buy-and-build strategy, which prioritizes acquiring companies that offer complementary product lines and geographic advantages. Investindustrial's continued support highlights its confidence in Nexture's management team and its vision for global growth. This latest deal follows a series of international investments by Nexture, reinforcing its trajectory as a key consolidator in the specialized food ingredients space.

The Middle East's food and beverage sector is undergoing significant transformation, with increasing demand for locally sourced and manufactured products. La Crema's established presence and production capabilities in Dubai provide Nexture with an immediate foothold to serve this evolving market. The company's expertise in chocolate and specialized ingredients for desserts is particularly relevant, given the region's strong cultural affinity for sweet treats and the growing sophistication of its culinary scene.