Acquisition Helps Rich's Grow Healthy Offerings
BUFFALO, N.Y. - Seizing an opportunity to continuing to build its healthy products portfolio and further its investment and growth in Western New York, Rich Products Corp. here has acquired Grand Island, N.Y.-based GLP Free Manufacturing, a gluten-free baked goods manufacturing company.
"This partnership provides Rich's with access to high-quality, gluten, lactose, trans-fat, and peanut-free bakery items tailored for people with Celiac disease," said Bill Gisel, Rich's president and c.e.o.
GLP's current product line includes individually packaged frozen brownies, cookies, crispy treats, and an Italian sandwich roll. GLP is currently selling to high profile national food service accounts and a number of Buffalo-based stores.
Celiac Disease is a genetic autoimmune digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. While health and wellness foods are growing in popularity as a whole, gluten-free is a fast-growing segment, with market growth estimated to reach $1.7 billion by 2010.
Susan Daubney, president, GLP Free Manufacturing, has joined Rich Products as a product specialist for gluten-free products, and will continue to play a critical role in further developing all-natural products. Joan Pedlow, GLP's v.p., will work as a category growth leader on a consulting basis, while Don Gibson, corporate director, New Ventures Group, Rich Products Corp., will act as the category general manager.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Product manufacturing will continue out of GLP's Grand Island facility until the product line is permanently transitioned to a dedicated gluten-free line at an existing Rich's facility.
"This partnership provides Rich's with access to high-quality, gluten, lactose, trans-fat, and peanut-free bakery items tailored for people with Celiac disease," said Bill Gisel, Rich's president and c.e.o.
GLP's current product line includes individually packaged frozen brownies, cookies, crispy treats, and an Italian sandwich roll. GLP is currently selling to high profile national food service accounts and a number of Buffalo-based stores.
Celiac Disease is a genetic autoimmune digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. While health and wellness foods are growing in popularity as a whole, gluten-free is a fast-growing segment, with market growth estimated to reach $1.7 billion by 2010.
Susan Daubney, president, GLP Free Manufacturing, has joined Rich Products as a product specialist for gluten-free products, and will continue to play a critical role in further developing all-natural products. Joan Pedlow, GLP's v.p., will work as a category growth leader on a consulting basis, while Don Gibson, corporate director, New Ventures Group, Rich Products Corp., will act as the category general manager.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Product manufacturing will continue out of GLP's Grand Island facility until the product line is permanently transitioned to a dedicated gluten-free line at an existing Rich's facility.