** Shares in Lotus Bakeries LOTB.BR rise 6.1% after the maker of Biscoff cookies expanded a strategic partnership with international snack company Mondelez MDLZ.O and British firm Froneri into the ice cream category
** Under the agreement, Froneri will be producing, marketing and selling Biscoff ice cream in several European countries starting in 2026
** The partnership could unlock new opportunities for Biscoff ice cream, allowing Lotus Bakeries to leverage their extensive expertise, KBC Securities analysts say
** "This collaboration will strengthen Lotus Bakeries' position in the ice cream sector, enabling Biscoff to grow into a global ice-cream brand," KBC adds
** The deal will also boost Lotus Bakeries' ability to focus on Biscoff cookies and spread globally, the brokerage says
** Following the partnership announcement and strong growth in 2024, KBC upgrades the stock to "accumulate" from "hold"
(Reporting by Mateusz Rabiega)
((Mateusz.rabiega@thomsonreuters.com))