US-based Del Real Foods has appointed Michael Axelrod as its chief executive officer.

Axelrod joins the California business, which produces Mexican-style food, following a spell as CEO of Passport Global Foods and Fine Choice Foods but before that he was president of TreeHouse Foods’ US$1.5bn condiments division.

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He has also worked for McCain Foods and Kraft Foods.

Del Real is owned by a private fund affiliated with Palladium Equity Partners in partnership with the Cardenas family, the company’s founders.

It has recently doubled its manufacturing capacity and expanded distribution of its products. 

Ed Lambert, Del Real’s executive chairman, said: “Michael is a highly experienced and well-regarded business leader who brings to Del Real almost three decades of experience leading and building food companies.

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“He is a people- and customer-centred individual who is ideally suited to help us as Del Real Foods moves to its next level of development.”

Axelrod said: “Del Real has a tremendous brand, a growing consumer base, and a strong innovation engine that has produced authentic and delicious products for many years. I am honoured to help drive its growth alongside Palladium and the Cardenas family.”

Del Real Foods is a manufacturer of branded and private label heat-and-serve Mexican cuisine products, as well as fresh salsas and side dishes. 

The company sells its products in the retail, foodservice, wholesale and club channels.

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