Rich Products to acquire in-store bakeries from TreeHouse Foods

Rich Products has signed a definitive agreement to acquire two of TreeHouse Foods’ in-store bakery facilities, located in the US.

Rich Products is a family-owned food company with operations in more than 100 countries.

The facilities are located in Fridley, Minnesota and Lodi, California.

These two facilities manufacture bread, rolls and cakes for in-store retail bakeries and foodservice customers.

Neither company has divulged any financial details of the deal. They expect to close it by 10 April.

TreeHouse Foods CEO and president Steve Oakland said: “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.

“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.”

Rich’s U.S. and Canada region president and COO Ray Burke said: “The facilities we are acquiring from TreeHouse enhance our current dessert and bakery product portfolios and align well with our long-term growth strategies.

“These added capabilities will also allow us to provide greater fully-finished and artisan product options, which are in high demand among our customers.”

TreeHouse purchased in-store bakery facilities from ConAgra Brands as part of the Private Brands deal in 2016.

The two facilities have around 338 hourly and 45 salaried employees. Following the deal, they will be employed by Rich Products.

Rich Products offers a range of products, right from cakes and icings to pizza, appetisers and speciality toppings. It sells its products for use in homes, restaurants and bakeries. It has over 11,000 associates.

TreeHouse Foods manufactures private-label packaged foods and beverages in North America.  It has more than 40 production facilities across the US, Canada and Italy.