FRoSTA in discussions to buy Nestlé Italiana frozen food brands

German frozen food company FRoSTA AG has announced it is exclusively negotiating the purchase of the frozen food business of Italian company Nestlé Italiana S.p.A. with Nestlé.

The Bremerhaven-based FRoSTA is hoping to buy the distribution business and the trademark rights to the brands La Valle Degli Orti, Mare Fresco and Surgela in the Italian market.

In a statement issued Monday, FRoSTA said it is examining whether such an investment is beneficial for the company.

FRoSTA, which had an annual turnover of €440m ($465m) in 2015, has three production plants in Germany, and one in Poland, as well as offices throughout Europe.

Nestle Italiana SpA produces dairy products as well as packaged food, including frozen meals and confectionery.

Italy is the ninth biggest market for Nestlé in terms of turnover. Its Italian operations include 13 factories and more than 5,500 employees.