US – Stonewall Kitchen, an American specialty food producer, has acquired organic coffee brand Vermont Coffee for an undisclosed sum.
FoodBev reported that the deal marks Stonewall Kitchen’s sixth acquisition. Vermont Coffee will now join other brands such as Urban Accents and Vermont Village.
With a 40,000-square-foot facility in Middlebury, Vermont Coffee is the best-selling brand of bagged organic coffee in grocery stores across the northeast, according to Stonewall Kitchen.
The company offers more than 25 blends, with whole bean and pre-ground options available.
Commenting on the acquisition, Vermont’s Founder Paul Ralston said: “I am extremely happy that Stonewall Kitchen will be the new home of Vermont Coffee Company and will continue roasting with our entire team here in Middlebury.”
Following the acquisition, Stonewall is reportedly planning to open a new Vermont Coffee Company café in downtown Middlebury, with a target opening date of this fall.
“We’re elated to have Vermont Coffee join the other great brands in our family made here in New England, from our flagship Stonewall Kitchen products made here in York, Maine, to the Village Candle brand made up the road in Wells, to the Vermont Village brand of apple cider vinegar products made in Vermont,” said John Stiker, CEO of Stonewall Kitchen.
“Combined with our other acquisitions from around the country, including the most recent acquisition of Urban Accents just last month, Vermont Coffee Company expands even further what we are able to offer our customers and guests.”
Campbell offloads baby food brand Plum Organics to Sun-Maid
Meanwhile, Campbell Soup Company has agreed to divest its organic baby food and kids snacks brand, Plum Organics, to Sun-Maid Growers of California for an undisclosed sum.
Founded in 2007 by a group of parents, Plum Organics offers a diverse portfolio of organic foods and snacks to meet the nutritional needs of babies, tots and kids.
The US brand was acquired by Campbell in 2013, however, the divestiture forms part of Campbell’s review to focus growth on its soup, sauces, and beverages, which have performed particularly well in the last year.
Chris Foley, president of Campbell’s meals & beverages unit, said: “The sale of the Plum Organics baby food brand is part of our ongoing strategic process to create even greater focus on driving growth in the division’s core categories of soup, sauces and beverages.”
Upon completion of the deal, Plum Organics will join Sun-Maid’s growing portfolio of better-for-you whole fruit snacks, such as chocolate and peanut butter yogurt-covered raisins and dried organic mango.
“Plum is a natural fit for the Sun-Maid family given our expertise, leadership and rapid growth in healthy snacking, along with our strong emotional connection with family households,” said Harry Overly, CEO and president of Sun-Maid Growers of California.
Overly further noted that the brands acquisition is an integral part of his company’s continued dedication to providing superior products while delivering category growth.
“We’re committed to carrying on Plum’s mission of serving babies the very best food from the first bite,” Overly added.
The transaction is expected to close in spring 2021.
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