Royal FrieslandCampina is exploring the sale of Riedel, a fruit drinks manufacturer in the Netherlands, as it intends to focus on dairy business.

Riedel is a major player in fruit juices and fruit drinks segments and offers a wide range of products under several brands, including Appelsientje, CoolBest, DubbelFrisss, Taksi and Extran.

It also owns a production and packaging facility in Ede.

Royal FrieslandCampina CEO Roelof Joosten said: “Following the update of our company strategy route2020, in which we increased the focus on the dairy portfolio, we are investigating the sale of our fruit juices and fruit drinks activities.

“Since the early 1970s, our fruit juices and fruit drinks manufacturer Riedel has developed itself to become market leader in ambient and chilled fruit juices and fruit drinks in the Netherlands. Its professional and committed employees have been instrumental in achieving that success.

"Following the update of our company strategy route2020, in which we increased the focus on the dairy portfolio, we are investigating the sale of our fruit juices and fruit drinks activities."

“FrieslandCampina wants to ensure Riedel is best positioned to anticipate and respond to changing customer requirements and consumers habits. Therefore we believe it is important for Riedel to take the next step in its development.”

The company further added that it has informed its employees, works council, trade unions, customers and suppliers about its plans to sell Riedel.

Riedel’s products are also marketed in the Dutch and Belgian markets. The products are retailed at supermarkets, canteens, petrol stations and vending machines amongst others.

Established in 1879, Riedel commenced its business by producing mineral waters and fruit lemonades.

In 1973, the company introduced its first fruit juices packed in convenient, space-saving cartons under the Appelsientje brand.