food products Archives - Virginia Business

Homestead Creamery to expand Franklin County facility

Dairy products maker Homestead Creamery will carry out a $2.5 million renovation and expansion of its Franklin County production facility, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday.

The company will build a new ice cream production room and install additional production and refrigeration equipment and freezers. The expansion is in response to growing customer demand for the creamery’s churned ice cream products, according to a news release.

Homestead Creamery expects to add two jobs and to purchase an additional $1.9 million of cream produced in Virginia over the next three years.

“On the heels of celebrating Virginia Dairy Month and Virginia Agriculture Week, today’s announcement of Homestead Creamery’s expansion and investment in Franklin County and in Virginia’s dairy industry is another example that Virginia is on the move,” Youngkin said in a statement. “I’m grateful to Homestead Creamery for their investment into one of Virginia’s top milk-producing counties and for supporting the growth of Virginia’s dairy industry — the fourth largest commodity in the commonwealth.”

Founded in 2001 in the Burnt Chimney area of Franklin County, Homestead Creamery uses milk from local dairy farms to produce milk, ice cream, eggnog and other dairy products sold through retail and wholesale networks. The company also has an on-site retail market and deli.

Homestead Creamery currently sells its dairy products and specialty lemonade in about 100 stores across the state. Its ice cream is available in 29 flavors across 13 states and Washington, D.C.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services worked with Franklin County to secure the expansion project. Youngkin approved a $20,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Facility Grant program, which the county will match with local funds.

“This grant will fuel our vision for impactful building improvements, empowering us to better serve our customers and community,” Homestead Creamery Controller Jesse Novak said in a statement. “Together, we’re nurturing growth, innovation and prosperity. Thank you for believing in our mission and investing in our future.”

Performance Food Group promotes three executives

Goochland County-based Fortune 500 food products distributor Performance Food Group Co. promoted three senior leaders to executive vice presidents on Wednesday.

Chief Information Officer Don Bulmer, Chief Human Resources Officer Erika Davis and General Counsel and Secretary Brent King became executive vice presidents of Performance Food Group. All three continue to report to the company’s chairman and CEO, George Holm.

“Today’s announcement is well-deserved recognition of the contributions Don, Erika and Brent make to PFG’s success,” Holm said in a statement. “These three leaders have each added deep industry experience to the diverse expertise they brought with them to PFG, and I am proud to serve with them on PFG’s senior leadership team.”

Bulmer became chief information officer and senior vice president of PFG in March 2019. He previously was vice president of corporate information technology for Vista, which he had been with since 2013. Before joining Vista, Bulmer held IT leadership roles with ProBuild Holdings LLC, Gates Corp. and Nupremis Inc.

He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in management information systems from the University of Colorado Denver.

Erika Davis photo courtesy Performance Food Group Co.

Davis joined PFG as chief human resources officer and senior vice president in July 2019 after 26 years with Mechanicsville-based Owens & Minor Inc. There, she served in several roles, including chief administrative officer, corporate chief of staff, senior vice president of operations and administration and senior vice president of human resources.

Davis has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond and a master’s degree in public administration from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

King joined PFG in March 2016 as senior vice president, general counsel and secretary. Prior to joining PFG, King was vice president, general counsel and secretary for Richmond-based Tredegar Corp. Before that, King was vice president and general counsel for Hilb Rogal and Hobbs Co. He previously had served as a partner with Williams Mullen.

Brent King photo courtesy Performance Food Group Co.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia and a law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law.

Performance Food Group has more than 150 locations and more than 30,000 employees across the U.S. and Canada. The company distributes food to more than 300,000 locations, including restaurants, businesses, schools, hospitals, theaters and convenience stores.

Va. Food Industry Association taps new exec director

Melissa Assalone is the Virginia Food Industry Association’s new executive director, the Richmond-based association announced Wednesday.

Assalone, who previously served as deputy legislative director in Gov. Ralph Northam’s administration, assumed the role on Monday. She succeeds Parker Slaybaugh, who is now Virginia’s chief deputy secretary of agriculture and forestry.

“Melissa is a dynamic and capable leader, and the Board of VFIA looks forward to working with her as she further develops the association,” VFIA Board Chair Jennifer Gardner, director of government affairs for Ahold Delhaize USA Inc., said in a statement. “Melissa’s professional experience, as well as her education and training, will be a great asset as she advocates for the food industry before the Virginia legislature and others within state and local government.”

“The food industry and their employees responded heroically during the pandemic in spite of the innumerable challenges they experienced,” Assalone said in a statement. “I am grateful to serve the members of the association and this industry, recognizing all they have done these past two years to serve and meet the needs of their customers.”

In her role as Northam’s deputy legislative director, Assalone provided policy guidance, developed advocacy strategies and maintained legislative and stakeholder relationships. Before joining the administration, she was director of government relations for the American Heart Association’s office in Richmond.

Assalone has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also has a certificate in nonprofit management from VCU and is a graduate of The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership’s Political Leaders Program.

VFIA represents retail and wholesale food industries in Virginia. Its members employ more than 55,000 people at more than 530 retail locations.

Mondelez to create 80 jobs with $122.5M Henrico expansion

Chicago-based snack company Mondelez International Inc. will invest $122.5 million over three years to expand its bakery and build a sales fulfillment center in Henrico County, creating about 80 jobs, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday.

“Mondelez International’s long-term investment in Central Virginia is a testament to the region’s top-notch talent and strong business climate,” Northam said in a statement. “We thank Mondelez for its long-term partnership, and we look forward to its continued success here in the commonwealth.”

The company, which owns the Oreo, Ritz, Wheat Thins and Chips Ahoy! brands, will expand its Richmond Biscuit Bakery by 68,000 square feet, enabling it to house an Oreo production line. The bakery employs more than 500 people.

Mondelez also will open a sales fulfillment center, which will create about 80 jobs. It is scheduled to open in 2022.

“We are excited about these further investments in our U.S. biscuit network and the opportunity to reaffirm and enhance the role of our Richmond manufacturing site, as well as our broader supply chain and business footprint here in Henrico County and in the commonwealth of Virginia,” Troy Ellis, Mondelez senior vice president of North America supply chain, said in a statement. “Our Richmond Biscuit Bakery has been a proud part of our company’s operations for nearly five decades and is geographically well-situated as the hub for our East Coast U.S. biscuit manufacturing. As we focus on leading the future of snacking, our presence in Henrico County continues to play an important part in us creating a best-in-class integrated supply chain which supports our U.S. business both now and for the future.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Henrico Development Authority to secure the investment. Northam approved a $1.8 million Virginia Investment Performance Grant, an incentive for existing companies to continue capital investment. Mondelez is eligible to receive benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, which is administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, as well as the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit. The VEDP’s Virginia Jobs Investment Program will provide funding to support employee recruitment and training activities.

Sugar alternative company to create 64 jobs in Albemarle County

Virginia sugar alternatives company Bonumose Inc. will invest $27.7 million to expand in Albemarle County in a partnership with The Hershey Co. to research and develop reduced or zero sugar chocolate products, creating 64 jobs, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday.

Bonumose will move into 36,000 square feet in the former State Farm building to increase production capabilities and relocate its research and development lab from North Fork — A University of Virginia Discovery Park, an industrial park in Charlottesville.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the growth of Bonumose as it expands production and collaborates with other valued partners in the commonwealth,” Northam said in a statement. “This innovative company continues to advance our food and beverage processing industries. We look forward to a long and productive partnership with the company.”

Founded in 2016, Bonumose has developed and patented methods for continuous production of high-purity rare sugars like tagatose and allulose. The sugars come from starch byproduct left over from the company’s supply chain partners’ food production. Bonumose is also working on enzyme solutions for dietary supplements, crop protection, animal nutrition and other industries. In February, it announced the closing of Series B investments co-led by Hershey and American Sugar Refining Inc., the owner of the Domino sugar brand.

The region’s skilled workforce and access to the Port of Virginia have helped the company grow, Bonumose CEO and co-founder Ed Rogers said.

“Virginia, and more specifically, Albemarle County, has been important to Bonumose’s growth to date,” Rogers said in a statement. “The commonwealth’s leading research universities, thriving food production industry, natural beauty and quality of life in Central Virginia are second to none. Due to Bonumose’s business partners in other states and other countries, we have had opportunities to grow outside Virginia, but we are happy with our choice to deepen our roots here at home.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Albemarle County and the Central Virginia Partnership to secure the project, for which Virginia competed with Florida, Idaho and North Dakota. Northam approved a $256,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Albemarle County. The company received a $300,000 grant from the Virginia Investment Performance Grant, an incentive for existing companies to continue capital investment. Bonumose is eligible to receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program. The VEDP’s Virginia Jobs Investment Program will provide funding to support employee recruitment and training activities.

Sauer Brands buys independent salsa brand

Richmond-based Sauer Brands Inc. is expanding into salsa with the acquisition of Frisco, Texas-based Mateo’s Gourmet Salsa, the company announced Thursday.

Sauer Brands, which owns Duke’s Mayonnaise, The Spice Hunter, Kernel Season’s and its own line of spices and seasoning, did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.

In July 2019, Charlotte, North Carolina-based Falfurrias Capital Partners purchased C.F. Sauer Co. after decades of family ownership. The Sauer family still owns Sauer Properties, a commercial real estate company with holdings in the greater Richmond area.

“We are incredibly excited to add Mateo’s Gourmet Salsa to our growing family of highly differentiated and inspired flavors,” Sauer Brands President and CEO Martin Kelly said in a statement. “There are many synergies across our product lines, and we see significant growth potential in the salsa category, so it’s a great fit for our organization.”

Andrew Robbins started Mateo’s in 2010, when he decided to market his father’s homemade salsa. Mateo’s products are marketed through Costco, Target, Publix and Kroger.

“It has been an amazing journey building our brand and seeing it become one of the largest independently owned salsas in the country,” Robbins said in a statement. “Joining with a company like Sauer Brands, which has so many resources and such an impressive track record, is extremely gratifying, and I can’t wait to see what the Mateo’s brand will achieve during this next phase of its growth.”

Founded in 1887, Sauer Brands has manufacturing facilities in Richmond, South Carolina, Kansas and California.

Italian meat company bringing 150 jobs to Rockingham County

Italian cured meats manufacturer Veronesi Holding S.p.A., a Gruppo Veronesi company, will invest approximately $100 million to establish its first U.S. production facility in Rockingham County, creating an estimated 150 jobs over the next four years, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday.

The facility will be located on 75.8 acres in the Innovation Village @ Rockingham and used to age, process and package the company’s products.

In July 2018, Northam met with company officials in Italy on an international trade and marketing mission.

“We are pleased that Veronesi Holding S.p.A. chose Virginia, the home of nearly 900 internationally owned businesses, to grow in the U.S.,” Northam said in a statement. “We welcome one of Europe’s leading food and beverage companies to Virginia and Rockingham County and look forward to its success in the commonwealth.”

Headquartered in Verona, Italy, Veronesi Holding S.p.A. is a privately traded company that reported more than 3.1 billion euros in sales in 2020 and has 9,000 employees. The poultry and hog producer’s products range from feed to fresh and cured meats. Veronesi owns the Agricola Italiana Alimentare S.p.A. (AIA) and Negroni brands, the latter of which has produced delicatessen meats for more than a century.

“This is a very ambitious project for us and it marks an important step for our company,” Gruppo Veronesi CEO Luigi Fasoli said in a statement. “We want to start a new chapter in our history and establish in this country our first-ever production site for cured meats abroad, offering Americans all our expertise with the maximum freshness and quality. It is with great enthusiasm that we chose Virginia, where we found all the necessary ingredients to live our American dream.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Rockingham County, the Shenandoah Valley Partnership and the Port of Virginia to secure the project. Northam approved a $3.8 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund for the county. Veronesi Holding is eligible for benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program and a Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit. VEDP’s Virginia Jobs Investment program will provide funding to support employee recruitment and training activities.

Harrisonburg’s Farmer Focus hires CFO, R&D head

Harrisonburg-based Farmer Focus has hired Debarshi Sengupta as chief financial officer and Sean McLendon as head of research and development, it announced on Aug. 26 and Sept. 9.

“Debarshi is an instrumental hire to guide our future, creating a strategic path forward to plan and resource our tremendous growth,” Farmer Focus president and Chief Operating Officer Erik Vaughan said in a statement.

Sengupta will oversee finance and accounting, financial planning and analysis and other financial aspects of the company. He most recently worked with Clarity Food Ventures LLC, a consumer packaged goods startup that he co-founded. Prior to joining Clarity Food, Sengupta was an executive vice president overseeing mergers and acquisitions, strategy, investor relations and financial planning and analysis at JBT Corp, a food processing machinery provider. He was also division CFO of the company’s FoodTech Protein segment. Before joining JBT Corp., Sengupta was an investment banker at Banc of America Securities LLC, now Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

“Growing up in the city, I was unaware of the challenges of our food system and how critical farmers are to the future of our food supply,” Sengupta said in a statement. “Joining the Farmer Focus team will enable me to use my experience and talent to help transform an industry and be an example of how food companies can create meaningful and lasting change.”

Sengupta holds a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a master of engineering management (MEM) from Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering.

Sengupta succeeds Dan Detamore-Hunsberger.

McLendon was previously the senior director of research and development at JBS USA Holdings Inc. Before that, he was head of research and development for Lumina Foods LLC. He also worked in research and development for CraftWorks Holdings Inc., now owned by SPB Hospitality. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and in 2009 was nominated for a James Beard Award when he was the owner and chef of Sean’s American Bistro.

Sean McLendon is the head of R&D for Farmer Focus.

“As a chef, I have always had the deepest respect for farmers,” he said in a statement. “So working for a company that is committed to the preservation and promotion of generational family farms is incredibly meaningful to me. One of the best ways I can honor our farmers and the birds they so carefully raise is to develop products and flavors that bring out the best in each part of the bird.”

McLendon led the development of Farmer Focus’ pre-seasoned product line, which includes Peruvian, Chophouse, Red Curry, Toasted Lager and Lemon and Cracked Pepper chicken products.

“In addition to his passion for the Farmer Focus mission, Sean brings an abundance of talent and experience to this critical role,” Farmer Focus founder and CEO Corwin Heatwole, said in a statement.

Founded in 2014, Farmer Focus is an organic chicken processing company with a mission to protect and promote generational family farms. The company currently works with more than 70 family farms and has more than 100 more on a waiting list. Its chicken is available in 2,500 stores on the East Coast and in the Midwest, including Publix and Kroger.

Mars Inc. acquires healthy snack company

McLean-based global food product manufacturer Mars Inc. announced Tuesday it has acquired healthy snack manufacturer Kind North America.

Transaction details were not disclosed.

Mars is the largest private company in Virginia. With annual sales of more than $35 billion, the candy and food manufacturer produces brands such as Snickers, M&Ms and Pedigree pet foods. Founded in 2004, Kind offers more than 100 snack products that contain nuts, grains and fruit. Kind will continue to operate as a separate business unit, according to Mars.

The acquisition follows a three-year partnership of the two brands that brought Kind products to more than 35 countries.

“When we began this partnership, I said it was one built on mutual admiration and a shared vision for growth. After three years, you can see the impact, as together we have grown the healthy snacking category and brought Kind and the Kind Promise to 35 countries and into new categories,” Mars CEO Grant F. Reid said in a statement. “We’re delighted to continue to build on this success and welcome Kind North America into the Mars family of companies.”

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McLean-based Mars Inc. to change Uncle Ben’s rice brand

After weeks of racial inequity protests and the removals of Confederate monuments across the United States, McLean-based global food product manufacturer Mars Inc. announced Wednesday it is “evaluating all possibilities” for changing the branding on its Uncle Ben’s rice products.

Uncle Ben’s has been branded with an image of a black man since 1946, according to The Museum of Public Relations. The names “uncle” and “aunt” were used to address older enslaved people because they were denied the use of other courtesy titles.

“As a global brand, we know we have a responsibility to take a stand in helping to put an end to racial bias and injustices,” Mars Inc. said in a statement. “As we listen to the voices of consumers, especially in the black community, and to the voices of our associates worldwide, we recognize that now is the right time to evolve the Uncle Ben’s brand, including its visual brand identity, which we will do.”

Aunt Jemima syrup. Photo courtesy The Quaker Oats Co.

The move came shortly after PepsiCo Inc.’s Quaker Oats division announced Wednesday that it would remove the image of Aunt Jemima from its packaging and change the name of the brand, which has existed for more than 130 years. The Aunt Jemima brand was inspired by the song “Old Aunt Jemima” by African-American minstrel show performer Billy Kersands. Minstrel shows, popular in the early 19th century, were performed mostly by white people wearing blackface.

“We recognize Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype,” said Kristin Kroepfl, Quaker Foods North America vice president and chief marketing officer, in a statement. “While work has been done over the years to update the brand in a manner intended to be appropriate and respectful, we realize those changes are not enough.”

Mars, which reported $18 billion in revenues last year, has not announced any details or timeline for rebranding its Uncle’s Ben products.

“Racism has no place in society,” Mars added. “We stand in solidarity with the black community, our associates and our partners in the fight for social justice. We know to make the systemic change needed, it’s going to take a collective effort from all of us — individuals, communities and organizations of all sizes around the world.”