US: ConAgra acquires natural foods firm

By: just-food.com | 24 July 2007

ConAgra Foods has bought the privately-owned US natural foods specialist Alexia Foods.

The Nebraska-based food giant said that the move was consistent with its strategy of "optimising its portfolio and delivering innovative products that support sustainable, profitable growth".

Headquartered in New York, Alexia markets all-natural and organic appetizers and artisan breads, and is also the leading natural frozen potato brand in the US. The company was founded in 2002 by the chef Alex Dzieduszycki and generates an annual turnover of around US$35m.

"Alexia's premium brands position ConAgra Foods to gain presence in the increasingly important natural and organic foods segment," said ConAgra CEO Gary Rodkin. "In turn, Alexia will benefit from ConAgra Foods' marketing and operating infrastructure."

Dzieduszycki, Alexia's president and CEO, is to become a ConAgra employee, along with the other Alexia staff. The acquisition, the financial details of which were not disclosed, also includes the interest in Alexia Foods owned by the San Francisco-based private equity group TSG Consumer Partners.

Alexia's products are sold through a wide range of channels in both the US and Canada, including natural retailers, gourmet stores, warehouse clubs and mainstream supermarkets such as Wal-Mart, Kroger, Safeway and Publix.

Dzieduszycki said: "This agreement is a milestone for the Alexia brand in being able to continue our commitment to deliver premium, natural and organic products to consumers while drawing on the resources ConAgra Foods brings as a leader in the food industry."

Companies: ConAgra, Wal-Mart, Kroger, Safeway, Publix