Rich Products has purchased Rizzuto Foods, a US Pacific Northwest-based producer of pizza dough, and two manufacturing plants from TreeHouse Foods, a manufacturer and distributor of private label breads, rolls and cakes. These strategic additions follow the announcement last week of the Buffalo, New York-headquartered company’s acquisition of Plymouth, Minnesota-based Morey’s Seafood International.
“As we enter our 75th year, we remain as committed as ever to driving value for our customers,” said Ray Burke, president and chief operating officer of Rich Products’ US- Canada Region. “Expanding our product portfolio, adding greater capacity and fueling innovation are key pieces of our strategic acquisition efforts. These moves strengthen our position as a total solutions provider in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.”
Enhanced Pizza Capabilities
Rich amplifies its more than 40-year legacy in the pizza business with the acquisition of Rizzuto Foods. Based in Spokane, Washington, Rizzuto is best known for high-quality pizza and flatbread products, along with gluten-free and cauliflower crusts. The addition of Rizzuto positions Rich for continued growth, greater capacity and increased innovation in the category.
Like Rich, Rizzuto has been family-owned for more than 60 years. What started in 1957 as Joe’s Drive In Pizza has grown into a large multi-faceted business. Since becoming Rizzuto’s in 1991, the company has produced more than 1 billion pizza crusts.
Bakery and Dessert Expansion
Furthering Rich’s reach and offerings in both the bakery and dessert categories are two manufacturing plants the company is acquiring from TreeHouse Foods.
Located in Lodi, California and Fridley, Minnesota, the TreeHouse Foods facilities specialize in baked artisan breads and rolls, as well as fully finished cakes for in-store retail bakeries and foodservice operations.
These two manufacturing plants will allow Rich Foods to provide customers with greater in-demand product options and add industry reputable brands like Cottage Bakery to its product portfolio. More than 400 people employed at the plants are to join Rich’s as part of the acquisition, which is expected to close in April.
Greater Seafood Growth
As reported by FrozenFoodsBiz on February 7, Rich is expanding its seafood footprint with the acquisition of Morey’s Seafood International. Founded in 1937 by Ed Morey, the company has become a Minnesota icon and a legacy brand in the seafood category. With a state-of-the-art processing center in Motley and a distribution facility in Plymouth, Morey’s offers a full line of fish and seafood products.
Already well established in the value-added seafood sector, Rich’s SeaPak brand is America’s top selling retail brand in the frozen specialty shrimp category. The investment in Morey’s will allow Rich to expand its impact and deliver more options for customers.
Financial terms of each transaction were not disclosed.
