Buffalo, New York-headquartered Rich Products has acquired Nashville, Tennessee-based Christie Cookie Company, a privately owned maker of gourmet cookies and portioned frozen cookie dough that is ready to pop into the oven for baking.
The company, which has been in business for more than 35 years, produces approximately 100 million cookies per year, all of which are measured by hand and contain 100% real butter. Flavors include Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut. The crowd-favorite is a Chocolate Chip Cookie made with pieces of Heath toffee.
“Just set the dial and hide the wrapper – you whipped these up from scratch, right? Your secret’s safe with us,” Christie’s website advises foodservice operators, in-store bakery customers and retail bakery clients.
“The acquisition furthers our position as a premier supplier in the growing cookie category,” said Ray Burke, president of Rich’s US-Canada business. “Adding the iconic and beloved Christie brand of products to our portfolio is something we’re very excited about as we move forward.”
Christie’s employs nearly 100 people, with one manufacturing facility and a strong direct-to-consumer platform that includes e-commerce and a corporate gifting program. In addition, it owns two popular retail bakery shops in Nashville and has an outlet in Bridgestone Arena.
“As a private, customer-centric company that values the long-standing relationships we have with our customers, Rich’s was a natural fit to help take our business to the next level,” said Fleming Wilt, president of Christie Cookie Co. “In Rich’s, we have a partner with a 75-year track record of success, one that’s dedicated to ongoing innovation and growth and a company that not only values quality, but culture, too.”
Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned frozen food company that produces and markets a wide range of offerings including cakes, pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings that are distributed to foodservice and retail clients around the world.
It operates four manufacturing facilities in Tennessee and provides jobs for nearly 1,000 employees statewide. Annual sales globally top $4 billion.
