Lavazza says the acquisition of the coffee roaster, equipment and services supplier will develop its presence in the French retail and e-commerce markets
Italian coffee roaster Lavazza is set to acquire French coffee roaster, distributor and services supplier MaxiCoffee to enhance its e-commerce and physical retail presence in France.
Founded in 2007, MaxiCoffee currently markets and distributes coffee products, including espresso machines, coffee grinders and packaged coffee, from more than 350 brands via an e-commerce platform.
The company also operates a roastery and 60 retail outlets across France.
Lavazza has not disclosed the financial details of the purchase but stated that MaxiCoffee will remain independent following the transaction.
A Lavazza statement also added that MaxiCoffee CEO Christophe Brancato will reinvest in the capital of MaxiCoffee with a minority stake.
Lavazza achieved record sales last year, achieving 10% sales growth in the French market amid an 11% rise in annual revenues to €2.3bn ($2.4bn).
Lavazza acquired French coffee brand Carte Noir in February 2016 for a reported €800m ($835m). At the time, the company said the deal would treble its turnover in France which it considers a key European growth market.
The acquisition included Carte Noir’s manufacturing facility in Montpellier, which now operates as one of Lavazza’s six global production sites.
Previous Lavazza acquisitions also include Danish roaster Merrild in 2016, Canadian organic coffee company Kicking Horse Coffee in 2017, and Australian coffee pod and machine distributor The Blue Pod Coffee Co in 2018.
