Cargill acquires Integrated Bakery Resources

Cargill announced June 9 that it has acquired Integrated Bakery Resources (IBR), a provider of pre-mix systems, finished foods and related marketing services to North American-based bakers and retailers. The acquisition, which includes Breadsong Baking Company, IBR’s wholly owned commercial baking and blending operation, strengthens Cargill’s ability to deliver innovative solutions that help its customers achieve their business goals. Based in Lake Oswego, Ore., IBR employs 78 people. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.“The acquisition of Integrated Bakery Resources supports Cargill’s corporate food strategy of being a leading integrator of ingredients for food and beverage companies globally,” said John Geisler, Cargill corporate vice president. “It brings to our company a team possessing leadership, recognized expertise and a proven track record of customer success in the baking category.”Geisler added that the acquisition will provide a number of customer benefits. “Specifically, our customers will have access to a growing portfolio of world-class products and services that leverage the strengths of Cargill and IBR. These offerings will help our customers effectively address a range of issues, including product innovation and formulation, time to market, and product branding and packaging,” said Geisler.“The combination of Cargill and IBR is a win-win for both our customers and our respective companies,” said Doug Burke, founder and chief executive officer, Integrated Bakery Resources. “Our customers have valued the hands-on leadership, innovative marketing, product development and other services that have been hallmarks of IBR for 20 years. The combined resources of IBR — with Cargill’s financial strength, geographic coverage, ingredient expertise, supply chain and distribution capabilities — will significantly enhance the future value that we can provide our bakery and retail customers.”