Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is combining its Field Roast Grain Meat Co. and Lightlife Foods, Inc. brands to launch a new plant-based food company called Greenleaf Foods, SPC.
Maple Leaf Foods acquired Field Roast Grain Meat Co. for $120 million in December 2017. Field Roast produces premium grain-based meat products, including fresh and frozen roasts and loaves, sausages and frankfurters, burgers, deli slices and appetizers under the Field Roast brand, and vegan cheese slices and entrees under the Chao brand.
Maple Leaf acquired Lightlife Foods for $140 million in March 2017. Lightlife manufactures more than 30 products, including plant-based tempeh, hot dogs, breakfast foods and burgers, at its facility in Turner Falls, Mass.
The company will be guided by a “deep commitment to social purpose, sustainability and the progress of the plant-based foods sector,” Maple Leaf said.
Based in Chicago, Greenleaf Foods will be led by industry veteran Dan Curtin, who has been with Maple Leaf Foods for more than 10 years. He was most recently president of Field Roast Grain Meat Co. and LightLife Foods for Maple Leaf. His career also includes roles at McCain Foods, Boca Burger and Grupo Bimbo.
“We have established leading brands that are known for delicious, high-quality products and we are excited to build on and invest in that expertise to drive innovation and accelerate our growth,” Mr. Curtin said. “Leadership in the fast-growing plant-based protein market is fundamental to pursuing Maple Leaf Foods’ broader vision to be the most sustainable protein company on earth.”
By Rebekah Schouten
Source: Food Business News
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