Kraft Heinz will purchase Assan Foods from Turkish conglomerate Kibar Holding, for approximately $100m. Assan Foods manufactures table sauces and has been a production partner for Kraft Heinz since 2019.

Kraft Heinz plans to use Assan Foods to expand its presence across the Middle East and Africa, although political tensions between Turkey and Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Morocco mean imports from Turkey frequently hit problems (or, in Saudi Arabia’s case, an informal ban on Turkish products). Turkey is now starting to thaw ties with Egypt and is making moves to repair relations with Morocco.

Assan Foods‘ two big export brands are Colorado, Oba and Kingtom. IIt also manufactures for private label. It is headquartered in Istanbul and has manufacturing facilities in Balikesir and Izmir, both in Turkey. Founded in 1998 and with approximately 400 employees, Assan Foods claims to export to around 50 countries on four continents.

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approval, and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2021.