BUFFALO, N.Y. — Convenience-store foodservice supplier Rich Products Corp. has acquired two in-store bakery facilities from TreeHouse Foods Inc., a producer of private-label baked goods, beverages and meal solutions, for an undisclosed amount.
The facilities, based in Fridley, Minn., and Lodi, Calif., manufacture breads, rolls and cakes for in-store retail bakeries and foodservice customers. About 383 TreeHouse employees will transition to Rich's, according to Rich Products. The companies expect the acquisition to close in April 2020, subject to customary closing conditions.
"The sale of the Fridley and Lodi facilities allows us to sharpen our focus at TreeHouse and, importantly, creates an opportunity for these plants to thrive under Rich Products' ownership," said Steve Oakland, president and CEO of TreeHouse Foods. "We continue to be committed to delivering great customer service within the in-store bakery category through our frosted sugar cookies and Lofthouse branded business."
To build its baked-goods portfolio, Rich Products in September 2019 acquired the Christie Cookie Co., a manufacturer of gourmet cookies and baked goods, for an undisclosed amount. It gave Rich Products control of Christie’s manufacturing facility, e-commerce platform and retail bakery shops, while Christie agreed to provide guidance for regional in-store bakeries, e-commerce, corporate gifting and retail bakery outlets.
"The facilities we are acquiring from TreeHouse enhance our current dessert and bakery product portfolios and align well with our long-term growth strategies," said Ray Burke, president and COO of Rich Products' U.S. and Canada region. "These added capabilities will also allow us to provide greater fully finished and artisan product options, which are in high demand among our customers."
Oak Brook, Ill.-based TreeHouse Foods produces private-label baked goods, beverages and meal solutions in more than 40 production facilities in the United States, Canada and Italy. Its products include cereal, cookies, single-serve hot beverages, creamers, dressings, macaroni and cheese, pasta and pickles.
Based in Buffalo, N.Y., Rich Products manufactures a variety of foodservice products ranging from pizza, seafood and salads to cakes, cookies and icings. The family-owned company operates in 100 locations worldwide and has annual sales exceeding $4 billion.
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