Multinational food giant Uniliver has purchased Weis, the 60 year-old Australian maker of the iconic mango and cream ice cream bar.
Weis was founded in 1957 by Les Weis with the original iconic Fruito Bar. Its unique range features a variety of formats including single bar, multi-pack bars, dairy-free sorbet tubs and frozen yogurt tubs. Weis ice creams continue to be made in its factory in Toowoomba, Queensland, using locally sourced, natural and high-quality ingredients.
“We are committed to providing Weis consumers and customers with the same exceptional products with the same high quality natural ingredients and we are pleased to be continuing its manufacturing operation here in Toowoomba. We look forward to welcoming Weis’ strong, dedicated and passionate team to Unilever,” said Clive Stiff, Unilever Australia & New Zealand CEO.
Stiff pointed out that another of Unilever’s ice crean brands, Streets, was created in Australia by Edwin ‘Ted’ Street in the 1920s and that ice cream is strategically important to Unilever Australia.
“Our family made this decision because Unilever demonstrated their understanding of our brand, our products and how important our people and the Toowoomba manufacturing site are in ensuring Weis’ success into the future,” said Weis Managing Director, Julie Weis.
“In addition Unilever’s scale will enable greater market access and growth that will provide opportunities for our extended Weis family of staff, suppliers, customers and of course our wonderful consumers. “
The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.