AECI Food & Beverage relaunches as Lake International following acquisition by Sana Partners
The renowned ingredients and chemicals manufacturer and distributor steps into a new era of growth as an independent entity.
Lake International, formerly AECI Food & Beverage, has officially launched as an independent organisation following its acquisition by the management team and Sana Partners, a South African private equity investor. The move marks the start of a significant new chapter for one of Africa’s most established and trusted food and beverage ingredient suppliers, with Lake International now set to operate as a standalone organisation with its own capital, identity and strategic direction, gaining the autonomy required to accelerate its growth.
“We are an established and trusted South African business and this move, one that came about as our former group company centralised its focus on mining operations, gives us the freedom to operate in a more entrepreneurial environment,” says Roger Falck, Managing Director of Lake International. “It allows us to take everything we’ve built, our people, our expertise and our customer and supplier relationships, and amplify it through focused reinvestment and shared vision for growth.”
The acquisition also presented an opportunity to unite the organisation’s three established divisions – Lake Foods, Infigro and Southern Canned Products – under one identity, clarifying the company’s market position.
“We wanted an identity that reflects who we truly are,” says Falck. “With all three companies united under one name, we have one purpose and a culture built on integrity, accountability and innovation. And, of course, a commitment to maintain the excellent service and quality that we have provided to our customers by getting better every day.”
The Lake International name carries forward this heritage. ‘Lake’ honours that legacy of trust and technical excellence while ‘International’ reflects both the company’s global partnerships and its ambitions for continued growth across Africa.
Under the acquisition, all operations, laboratories, warehouses and supplier networks remain intact, ensuring complete continuity for customers and partners. In addition, Lake International also retains its entire 150-strong workforce.
“We have prioritised reassurance,” says Falck. “This has meant ensuring a seamless changeover, consistent service and transparent communications with all our stakeholders. Lake International has been built on trust and relationships; those foundations won’t change. What will change is our ability to move faster and to strengthen our impact as an African company serving African markets.”
Independence also gives Lake International full control over how it allocates its capital, which is an essential move that allows for deeper investment in R&D, customer partnerships and future-focused innovation. The company already operates laboratories and pilot plants across its network and translates global trends into locally relevant products.
The agility that the acquisition enables is another step in Lake International’s long-term strategic plan. The company plans to expand its portfolio into adjacent categories, particularly within nutrition, fortified beverages and pharmaceuticals. It’s a move very much in line with evolving consumer demands, and one the company makes with confidence.
“Innovation and technical excellence have always been at the heart of how we create value,” says Falck. “As an independent and owner-run company, we can now invest faster and deeper into the capabilities that strengthen customer growth and, by extension, the markets we serve.”
Lake International’s focus remains firmly on Africa. Already working with more than 1,200 customers across nearly 20 countries, the company believes there is immense opportunity for growth in sub-Saharan and West African markets. Combined with management shareholding and an established private equity partner with a track record of investment, this focus positions Lake International as the perfect partner for forward looking players in the food and beverage sector and beyond.
“We see the growth prospects in Lake International as complementary to the type of strategic work we get excited about. When effectively implemented, management ownership combined with entrepreneurial agility always enhances the customer experience and value chain. The strength of the management team now acting independently gives us plenty of comfort that Lake International is in very good hands,” concludes Sana Partners.
Key highlights:
- Independent reinvestment – All cash generated by the Lake International will be reinvested into its own growth and sustainability.
- Continuity and confidence – All 150 employees, facilities, and customer relationships have moved effortlessly to Lake International under Section 197, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
- Empowered leadership – The management team joins as shareholders alongside the majority private equity owner, reinforcing long-term stability and accountability.
- Unified identity – The rebrand brings Lake Foods, Infigro and Southern Canned Products together under one cohesive name and vision.
- African growth focus – Expansion is planned into Sub-Saharan and West African markets, building on a network already spanning 20 countries.
