Nomad Foods
Nomad Foods is a United Kingdom-headquartered frozen-food company that owns and operates a portfolio of major European frozen-food brands.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
Nomad Foods is a European frozen-food company headquartered in the United Kingdom and listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker NOMD. Its business is built around the manufacture, marketing, sale and distribution of frozen fish, vegetables, potatoes, pizzas, ice cream, ready meals, desserts and related food products across a broad European footprint. The company describes itself as the largest frozen-food business in Europe, with operations spanning 22 European markets. The company began as Nomad Holdings, founded on 1 April 2014 by Noam Gottesman and Martin E. Franklin. Its initial strategy was to establish a substantial European food platform through the acquisition of established consumer brands. The defining transaction came in 2015, when Nomad Holdings agreed to buy the Iglo Group from Permira for approximately €2.6 billion. The transaction, completed on 1 July 2015, brought Birds Eye, Iglo and Findus Italy into the company. Nomad Holdings then adopted the Nomad Foods name, while Permira retained a minority interest. In November 2015, the company expanded again by acquiring the continental European business of Findus Group for approximately €500 million. Nomad Foods has subsequently enlarged its portfolio through both acquisitions and organic investment. In 2018 it bought Goodfella’s from 2 Sisters Food Group and Aunt Bessie’s from William Jackson & Son, adding frozen pizza and familiar British side-dish brands. It acquired Findus Switzerland from Froneri in a transaction completed in January 2021, consolidating control of the Findus brand in additional European markets. In September 2021, Nomad Foods completed the approximately €615 million acquisition of Fortenova Group’s frozen-food business, including Ledo Plus in Croatia, Ledo Čitluk in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Frikom in Serbia. This deal strengthened its position in Central and Southeastern Europe. The group’s best-known brands include Birds Eye in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Iglo in several Western European markets, and Findus in Scandinavia and Southern Europe. Its regional portfolio also includes Ledo, Frikom, Aunt Bessie’s, Goodfella’s, La Cocinera and Belviva. Products associated with the portfolio include fish fingers, frozen peas, creamed spinach, vegetables, potatoes, pizzas, ice cream and prepared meals. The business combines nationally distinctive brands with shared capabilities in sourcing, manufacturing, innovation, distribution and marketing. Nomad Foods’ growth model has emphasized renovation of established products, new product development, portfolio expansion and sustainability initiatives. Since 2017 it has published annual sustainability reporting under its broader Appetite for a Better World framework, organized around better sourcing, better nutrition and better operations. It joined the 10x20x30 food-loss and waste initiative in 2020 and entered the Dow Jones Sustainability Index in 2021. More recent initiatives have addressed freezer-energy consumption, functional nutrition and science-based emissions reduction. In 2024, research conducted with Campden BRI supported the company’s participation in the Move to -15°C coalition, which promotes higher frozen-food storage temperatures where safety and quality can be maintained. In 2025 it announced a Future Foods Lab and launched high-protein, high-fibre Get Real Protein bowls under Birds Eye and Iglo in Belgium and the Netherlands. Nomad Foods is therefore best understood as a corporate frozen-food platform rather than a single consumer-facing product brand. Its competitive position rests on the scale and recognition of its European brands, its category expertise and its ability to manage both pan-European and locally adapted offerings.
History
Nomad Foods was created as Nomad Holdings on 1 April 2014 by Noam Gottesman and Martin E. Franklin. The founders pursued a platform strategy focused on acquiring established European food brands rather than building a single new consumer label from scratch. The strategy took shape in April 2015 when Nomad Holdings announced an agreement to acquire the Iglo Group from Permira. Completed on 1 July 2015, the approximately €2.6 billion transaction added Birds Eye, Iglo and Findus Italy. Following completion, Nomad Holdings changed its name to Nomad Foods, while Permira kept a minority holding. Later that year, in November, Nomad Foods bought Findus Group’s continental European business for approximately €500 million. These transactions established the group as a major multi-market frozen-food operator. In January 2016, Nomad Foods moved its listing from the London Stock Exchange to the New York Stock Exchange, where its shares trade under NOMD. The company then pursued a combination of internal brand development and acquisitions. Its organic agenda has included product renovation, innovation, marketing investment, supply-chain development and sustainability programs. The portfolio broadened materially in 2018. In April, Nomad Foods acquired Goodfella’s from 2 Sisters Food Group, adding frozen pizza and reinforcing its United Kingdom and Ireland presence. In June, it completed the purchase of Aunt Bessie’s from William Jackson & Son, bringing frozen Yorkshire puddings, potatoes, vegetables and desserts into the group. Nomad Foods continued consolidating the Findus portfolio with the acquisition of Findus Switzerland from Froneri International. Announced in November 2020 and completed in January 2021, the transaction extended the group’s direct ownership of Findus in Switzerland. In January 2021, Nomad Foods also entered exclusive talks with Fortenova Group concerning its frozen-food business. The deal closed in September 2021 and included Ledo Plus in Croatia, Ledo Čitluk in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Frikom in Serbia. It was one of the company’s largest acquisitions and significantly strengthened its Balkan presence. Sustainability became a more formal part of the company’s public strategy during this period. Nomad Foods has issued annual sustainability reports since 2017 and frames its Appetite for a Better World program around better sourcing, better nutrition and better operations. In September 2020, it joined the 10x20x30 initiative, committing to work across the supply chain to reduce food loss and waste. In November 2021, the company was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the first time. In 2024, Nomad Foods publicized research conducted with Campden BRI on the possibility of moving frozen-food storage from the commonly used -18°C standard to -15°C. The study reported potential freezer-energy savings of approximately 10–11% without an observable effect on product safety. Nomad Foods subsequently became the first food manufacturer to join the Move to -15°C coalition, an industry effort connected with emissions reduction in the frozen-food chain. The company continued exploring new categories and innovation models in 2025. It launched the Future Foods Lab, a venture-clienting initiative intended to test market-ready solutions from startups, initially focusing on functional nutrition. It also introduced Get Real Protein bowls under Birds Eye and Iglo in Belgium and the Netherlands, combining high-protein and high-fibre positioning with globally inspired ready meals. In the same year, it reported that the Science Based Targets initiative had validated its net-zero ambitions, including a 2050 target covering operations and the supply chain. Leadership changed at the end of 2025 and start of 2026. Dominic Brisby was announced as executive president and CEO-elect, joining the board effective 3 November 2025, and became chief executive on 1 January 2026 after Stéfan Descheemaeker’s tenure from 2015 to 2025. The company remains an active, publicly traded European frozen-food group whose scale comes from combining internationally recognized brands with strong local market positions.
- 2026
Dominic Brisby becomes chief executive
[1]Dominic Brisby succeeded Stéfan Descheemaeker as CEO.
- 2025
Future Foods Lab launched
[1]Nomad Foods created an open-innovation initiative focused initially on functional nutrition.
- 2024
Move to -15°C participation
[1]The company joined an industry coalition promoting research-based reductions in frozen-storage energy consumption.
- 2021
Fortenova frozen-food acquisition
[1]Nomad Foods acquired Ledo Plus, Ledo Čitluk and Frikom.
- 2021
Dow Jones Sustainability Index inclusion
[1]Nomad Foods entered the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the first time.
- 2018
Goodfella's and Aunt Bessie's acquisitions
[1]The company expanded into frozen pizza and British frozen side dishes through two acquisitions.
- 2016
New York Stock Exchange listing
[1]Nomad Foods moved its listing from London to the New York Stock Exchange under NOMD.
- 2015
Iglo Group acquisition completed
[1]The company acquired the Iglo Group, including Birds Eye, Iglo and Findus Italy, and adopted the Nomad Foods name.
- 2015
Continental European Findus acquisition
[1]Nomad Foods acquired Findus Group’s continental European business.
- 2014
Nomad Holdings founded
[1]Noam Gottesman and Martin E. Franklin founded Nomad Holdings as the predecessor to Nomad Foods.
Products and positioning
A scale European frozen-food platform combining iconic national brands with convenient, affordable and increasingly sustainability-oriented frozen meals and ingredients.
Frozen fish, vegetables and prepared foods
Birds Eye
Birds Eye is one of Nomad Foods’ principal United Kingdom and Ireland brands. Its range includes fish fingers, frozen peas and other vegetables, potato products, prepared meals and related frozen foods. The brand is associated with the development and popularization of frozen food in Britain and serves as one of the group’s most important consumer-facing platforms.
Frozen fish, vegetables and ready meals · 1956
Iglo
Iglo is a major Nomad Foods brand in markets including Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal. It is known for frozen fish products, including Captain Iglo fish fingers, as well as creamed spinach and vegetable products. The brand originated in Belgium in the 1950s and has been adapted to several national European markets.
Frozen meals, fish and vegetables · 1945
Findus
Findus is a long-established frozen-food brand with roots in Sweden and a presence across Scandinavia, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and other European markets. Its portfolio includes frozen meals, fish, vegetables and other convenient foods. Nomad Foods obtained Findus Italy through the Iglo Group acquisition and expanded its ownership in continental Europe through subsequent Findus transactions.
Frozen foods and ice cream
Ledo
Ledo is a Croatian and broader Balkan frozen-food brand offering vegetables, prepared meals, pastries and ice cream. Its history includes the production of Snjeguljica, a well-known Croatian ice cream. Nomad Foods acquired Ledo’s relevant frozen-food businesses from Fortenova Group in 2021.
Frozen foods and ice cream
Frikom
Frikom is a Serbian frozen-food brand serving Serbia and neighboring markets. Its range includes vegetables, pastries, pizzas and ice cream. The brand joined Nomad Foods through the 2021 Fortenova transaction and contributes regional manufacturing, distribution and consumer recognition in the Western Balkans.
Frozen side dishes, vegetables and desserts · 1995
Aunt Bessie's
Aunt Bessie’s is a British frozen-food brand best known for Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, vegetables and desserts. Its roots date to supplies of Yorkshire puddings to Butlin’s holiday camps in the 1970s, while the branded Aunt Bessie’s identity was introduced in the 1990s. Nomad Foods acquired the business in 2018.
Frozen pizza · 1993
Goodfella's
Goodfella’s is an Irish-origin frozen-pizza brand with a strong presence in Ireland and the United Kingdom. It is associated with stone-baked thin-crust pizzas and also offers takeaway-style, gluten-free and vegan products. Nomad Foods acquired the brand from 2 Sisters Food Group in 2018.
Frozen ready meals · 1962
La Cocinera
La Cocinera is a Spanish frozen-ready-meal brand founded in Navarra. It began producing frozen meals in the 1960s and became an established name in the Spanish frozen-food aisle. The brand entered the Nomad Foods portfolio through Findus Spain and continues to be associated with production in Valladolid.
Frozen fries and potato specialties · 2019
Belviva
Belviva is a Belgian frozen-potato brand sold as part of the iglo Belgium portfolio. It offers fries and other potato specialties. The name replaced Lutosa in circumstances where the relevant trademark and production assets were separated, and was selected to retain a connection with Belgian identity and an upbeat consumer proposition.
Functional-nutrition frozen ready meals · 2025
Get Real Protein bowls
Get Real Protein bowls are high-protein, high-fibre frozen ready meals introduced under the Birds Eye and Iglo brands in Belgium and the Netherlands in 2025. The range represents Nomad Foods’ initial move into functional nutrition and uses globally inspired meal concepts.
Marketing campaigns
- 2025Future Foods Lab
European markets
Nomad Foods launched a venture-clienting and open-innovation program to test solutions from startups against business challenges, beginning with functional nutrition.
Outcome. The program supported the company’s exploration of new food formats and nutrition propositions.
- 2025Get Real Protein
Belgium · Netherlands
Birds Eye and Iglo introduced high-protein, high-fibre frozen bowls inspired by international cuisines.
Outcome. The launch marked Nomad Foods’ first reported entry into functional nutrition.
- 2024Move to -15°C
Europe · Global frozen-food supply chain
Nomad Foods supported the Move to -15°C coalition after research indicated that a modest increase in storage temperature could reduce freezer energy use while preserving product safety and quality.
Outcome. The company positioned the initiative as a potential route to lower emissions across frozen-food logistics and retail.
- 202010x20x30 initiative
European operations
Nomad Foods joined the 10x20x30 initiative to work with supply-chain partners on reducing food loss and waste, supporting the goal of halving food loss and waste by 2030.
Outcome. The initiative became part of the company’s broader sustainability program.
Brand decisions
2025
Validate net-zero ambitionsStrategyBackground
The company sought external validation for emissions-reduction goals covering its operations and supply chain.
Action taken
Nomad Foods reported that the Science Based Targets initiative had validated its net-zero ambitions, including a 2050 net-zero goal.
Aftermath
The validation strengthened the formal basis of the company’s climate strategy.
2021
Acquire Fortenova frozen-food businessesM&ABackground
Nomad Foods pursued stronger ownership of leading frozen-food assets in Central and Southeastern Europe.
Action taken
It completed the acquisition of Ledo Plus, Ledo Čitluk and Frikom from Fortenova Group.
Aftermath
The deal expanded the group’s Balkan footprint and unified additional regional frozen-food operations under Nomad Foods.
Purchase price. Approximately €615 million (2021)
2018
Acquire Goodfella's and Aunt Bessie'sM&ABackground
Nomad Foods aimed to deepen its positions in frozen pizza and British frozen side dishes.
Action taken
It acquired Goodfella’s from 2 Sisters Food Group and Aunt Bessie’s from William Jackson & Son.
Aftermath
The transactions broadened the group’s United Kingdom and Ireland portfolio.
2015
Acquire Iglo GroupM&ABackground
Nomad Holdings sought a large-scale European frozen-food platform with established national brands.
Action taken
It agreed to acquire Iglo Group from Permira for approximately €2.6 billion and completed the transaction on 1 July 2015.
Aftermath
The company adopted the Nomad Foods name and gained Birds Eye, Iglo and Findus Italy.
Acquisition value. €2.6 billion (2015)
Recent events
- 2025
Nomad Foods announces CEO succession[1]
Leadership change
Dominic Brisby was announced as CEO-elect, succeeding Stéfan Descheemaeker as chief executive from January 2026.
- 2024
Nomad Foods joins Move to -15°C coalition[1]
Other
Following an 18-month study with Campden BRI, the company supported efforts to evaluate warmer frozen-food storage as a way to reduce freezer energy use.
- 2021
Nomad Foods completes Findus Switzerland acquisition[1]
M&A
The purchase from Froneri expanded Nomad Foods’ control of the Findus brand in Europe.
- 2021
Nomad Foods completes Fortenova frozen-food acquisition[1]
M&A
Nomad Foods acquired Ledo Plus, Ledo Čitluk and Frikom, increasing its presence in the Balkans and Central Europe.
- 2018
Nomad Foods acquires Goodfella's[1]
M&A
The acquisition from 2 Sisters Food Group added a major frozen-pizza brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
- 2018
Nomad Foods acquires Aunt Bessie's[1]
M&A
The company bought Aunt Bessie's from William Jackson & Son, strengthening its British frozen side-dish and dessert portfolio.
- 2015
Nomad Holdings agrees to acquire Iglo Group[1]
M&A
The company announced the acquisition of Iglo Group, including Birds Eye, Iglo and Findus Italy, from Permira for approximately €2.6 billion.
- 2015
Nomad Foods acquires continental European Findus business[1]
M&A
Nomad Foods expanded its European frozen-food footprint by acquiring Findus Group’s continental European operations for approximately €500 million.
Sources4 sources
- 1Nomad Foodsen.wikipedia.org
- 2Nomad Foods dips into ice cream market with Fortenova’s Frozen Food Business Group acquisitiondairyreporter.com
- 3Nomad Foods Limited: Nomad Foods Announces Pricing of Senior Secured Notes Offering and Commitments Received to Refinance Its Existing Senior Secured Term Loan Facilityfinanznachrichten.de
- 4Nomad Foods Limited: Nomad Foods Announces Pricing of Senior Secured Tack-on Notes Offeringfinanznachrichten.de
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