Cerebelly, the US-based producer of "cognitive-focused" baby food, has acquired the local kids snacks business and brand Fresh Bellies.
Financial terms were not revealed.
The companies will run as "sibling brands" under "shared ownership", according to a statement. Each business will retain its own product range, formulation, and brand identity.
They will continue selling through their existing retail partners, e-commerce outlets, and direct-to-consumer channels.
Jodie Wing, who replaced Don Clark as CEO of Cerebelly in February, said: "We are not merging these brands, we are amplifying them. The children's nutrition category is large enough and the unmet consumer need is significant enough that two differentiated brands, operating with shared operational strength, creates more value than either could achieve alone. This is a platform play, not a consolidation."
Wing said Fresh Bellies allows Cerebelly to launch new future products in the snacking segment but no specific dates were announced.
Approached by Just Food for clarifications, Cerebelly said both companies have "robust innovation plans" for different usage occasions, audiences and categories but did not disclose ...