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Bel Group Invests $200 Million to Expand Babybel Cheese Production
Bel Group is making a significant investment of $200 million to double the production capacity of its Babybel cheese plant in Brookings, South Dakota. This expansion marks the largest U.S. investment in the company’s history, aiming to meet the growing demand for snacking, protein, and portion-controlled foods.
The project is expected to increase the plant’s production to 20,000 tons annually and create 150 new jobs in the area. This move comes shortly after appointing former Impossible Foods CEO Peter McGuinness as the CEO of Bel’s North America operations.
Dairy companies like Bel are capitalizing on the protein trend by expanding their facilities to keep up with consumer demand. Bel’s expansion in South Dakota comes at a strategic time to ensure they can meet the current and future demand for their products.
Meeting Consumer Demand
Bel’s decision to expand is driven by the strong demand for convenient, protein-rich, and minimally processed foods like Babybel. With consumers increasingly seeking out healthier snack options, the company is staying ahead of the curve with their product offerings.
One of Bel’s recent additions, Babybel Pro, caters to the high-protein trend by offering 5 grams of protein and 1 billion live probiotics for gut health. This move aligns with the company’s goal to tap into emerging health trends and cater to mindful snackers.
Business Growth and Expansion
Bel’s revenue and profits in the U.S. and North America have been strong, with Babybel sales growing consistently. The company’s focus on expanding production capacity not only in South Dakota but also in Wisconsin and Idaho reflects their commitment to meeting the market demand.
The recent expansions in Little Chute, Wisconsin, and Nampa, Idaho, demonstrate Bel’s dedication to increasing production capacity for other popular brands like Laughing Cow and GoGo Squeez. These investments position Bel to continue its growth trajectory in the U.S. market.