The Schwan Food Co. has agreed to acquire MaMa Rosa’s Pizza, L.L.C., Sidney, Ohio, from HGGC, Palo Alto, Calif. Financial terms were not discussed.
“We are extremely excited to have MaMa Rosa’s join the Schwan’s family of businesses based on their reputation in our industry for delivering great quality and service,” said Dimitrios Smyrnios, chief executive officer of The Schwan Food Co. “This acquisition will be mutually beneficial.”
Founded in 1979, MaMa Rosa’s makes foods for the food service and retail markets under the MaMa Rosa’s and Fight’n Tomato Pizza Co. brands. The company employs about 250 people and operates in a 160,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Sidney. The sale is expected to be completed on June 15.
“For Schwan’s, this acquisition demonstrates our commitment to the U.S. pizza market and gives us an opportunity to immediately expand our pizza business,” Mr. Smyrnios said. “MaMa Rosa’s will become part of a world-class team that makes high-quality frozen foods for food service, home delivery and retail outlets.”
In the pizza category, Schwan’s major retail brands include Red Baron, Freschetta and Tony’s pizzas. The company’s subsidiaries also serve as a leading provider of pizza to food service outlets such as schools, convenience stores and colleges and universities.
Greg Benson, co-founder and managing director at HGGC, expressed his support of the decision to sell MaMa Rosa’s to Schwan’s.
“Schwan’s is a well-established company within the U.S. frozen foods market,” he said. “We feel this sale represents an extremely positive business decision that will take MaMa Rosa’s Pizza to the next level in terms of growth and distribution.”
Source: Food Business News
Danone has appointed Carla Hilhorst to the newly created position of senior vice president of research and innovation categories and zones, as the company looks to make science the heart of its business. Hilhorst, who brings over 30 years of experience in research and innovation, will report directly to Isabelle Esser, Danone’s chief research, innovation, quality and food safety officer.
The move, part of Pernod Ricard’s strategy to enhance its premiumisation efforts, will allow the company to focus more resources on its portfolio of premium international spirits and champagne brands that drive the growth of its business. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees, clients and partners.
Schai – who is the current CEO of Swiss chocolate company Lindt & Sprüngli’s Australian operation – has previously worked with Aryzta from 2015-2018, where he served in roles including managing director for Asia Pacific and global strategic business lead (McDonald’s). The fast-food giant McDonald’s is one of Aryzta’s significant clients.
