US food giant H.J. Heinz Company has announced that its food service division has acquired Appetizers And Inc. a manufacturer and marketer of high-quality, upscale frozen hors d’oeuvres sold almost exclusively to the foodservice industry.
“Appetizers And, Inc. complements our successful foodservice acquisition and growth strategy, and we are pleased to welcome it to Heinz,” said Heinz chairman, president and CEO William R. Johnson. “Our growing Foodservice businesses provide premium condiments, sauces, soups, appetizers and desserts to all areas of our customers’ menus. The upscale hors d’oeuvres segment of the foodservice industry is part of a $1.5bn category that is growing at above-average rates, and we believe AAI offers the highest quality and greatest number of options available for targeted customers.”
“Through AAI, we will add a premier line of hors d’oeuvres to our already strong portfolio of brands and products,” said Jeffrey P. Berger, Heinz foodservice president. “As has been the case with previous foodservice acquisitions, AAI’s complementary product line will provide yet another avenue for us to better serve customers focused on serving patrons only the highest quality menu options.”
“We’ve been cooking for America for 37 years, and when it came time to seek a strategic partner, we chose Heinz,” said AAI founders, Patricia Domanik and George King. “Its vision of quality foodservice inspires us, and we believe our products and people will be in good hands.”
