Midwest Growth Partners Invests in French Gourmet
Midwest Growth Partners, a West Des Moines- and Omaha-based private equity fund that specializes in succession planning and growth capital investments across the food and agriculture value chain, has invested in French Gourmet, LLC.
Based in Sparks, Nev., French Gourmet was founded by Patrick Novak in 1984 as a manufacturer of artisanal, all-natural, European-style pastries and Danishes. The company manufactures a variety of croissants, Danish pastries, dough shells and puff pastries with laminated dough in frozen and pre-proofed formats. The company services hotels, cafes, independent bakeries, diners, grocery bakeries and other foodservice businesses.
“French Gourmet is well positioned for its next phase of growth, and I’m excited for Midwest Growth Partners to help execute on the vision I’ve had for the company since founding the business,” said Patrick Novak.
Zane Hendricks, vice president of Midwest Growth Partners, said, “French Gourmet has a great product, culture, and impressive manufacturing capabilities. I’ve enjoyed working with the entire management team, and we are excited to be part of the company’s growth for years to come.”
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Kraft Singles Apple Pie Debuts in Time for July Fourth
What’s more American than apple pie? Apple pie with cheese melted on top. This Fourth of July, Kraft Singles is partnering with Little Pie Company, known for its dedication to crafting exceptional handmade pies, to create the Kraft Singles Apple Pie. The single-serve pie combines two of the most iconic American foods: the undeniably perfect melt of Kraft Singles, with the sweet classic flavors of a traditional apple pie. With its simple irresistible taste, the iconic yellow square slice makes all foods more delicious, including a decadent dessert-like apple pie.
The pairing of cheese with apple pie has long been a tradition. In fact, apple pie has been served with a cheese topping since the 1800s as a sweet and salty treat. The pie is a one-of-a-kind pie featuring hand-cut golden delicious apples mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, light brown sugar and of course, melty Kraft Singles baked within. Each 5-inch pie is topped with a delicious Kraft Single, resulting in a dessert that is both intriguing and mouthwatering.
“Kraft Singles is a small ingredient that makes a big difference, and we are on a mission to make simple irresistible and reignite America’s love for Kraft American Cheese,” said Kelsey Rice, associate director for Kraft Singles at the Kraft Heinz Company. “Melting cheese on top of apple pie is a tradition we see many of our fans enjoy, so we wanted to remind people that Kraft Singles multiplies the enjoyment of whatever food you are eating and inspire new ways to enjoy our product beyond the grill.”
Cheese lovers can indulge in the Kraft Singles Apple Pie in-store at Little Pie Company in New York City and can also purchase for nationwide fresh delivery via Goldbelly, while supplies last. The Kraft Singles Apple Pie in store will be sold for $10.95 and on Goldbelly for $44.95 (before shipping), which includes a recipe card, two single 5-inch pies and two packs of Kraft Singles for melting.
“At Little Pie Company, we take pride in our pies made from scratch, and are always thinking of ways to bring new flavors and experiences to our fans,” said Arnold Wilkerson, creator of Little Pie Company. “When Kraft Singles approached us about creating a limited-edition pie featuring their iconic square, we were so excited and confident we could nail the recipe. Simply good and ready to eat, the Kraft Singles Apple Pie is sure to be a delight for all this Fourth of July.”
The campaign is the latest example of bringing the brand’s platform, “Square It” to life, reminding fans about all the wonderful ways consumers can use Kraft Singles in the kitchen.
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José Sánchez Peñate Dairy, Coffee, Bakery Equipment for Sale
Gordon Brothers, the global advisory, restructuring and investment firm, is offering for immediate sale by private treaty machinery and equipment from four plants in the Canary Islands formerly leased by the firm to the Spanish food products manufacturer and distributor José Sánchez Peñate.
José Sánchez Peñate primarily produced dairy products from two plants in Tenerife, Spain, and manufactured and supplied coffee and bakery products from two plants in Gran Canaria. The complete plant and available machinery equipment are as follows:
- Milk plant, including preparation, mixing, sterilization, cooling, packaging and palletizing systems.
- Yoghurt plant, including raw material reception, pasteurization of milk, mixing station, pasteurization of yoghurt, addition of starter, fermentation, packaging, palletizing, cooling and storage.
- Coffee plant, including raw materials reception, recipe preparation, roasting, milling, packing of coffee beans for restaurants or ground coffee, packaging, palletizing and storage.
- Bakery plant, including raw materials reception, kneading machines, forming machines, cutting and boarding, fermentation area, baking and cooling, packaging and palletizing.
“This unprecedented food manufacturing plant sale is already generating global interest and is an amazing opportunity to acquire machinery and equipment worth millions of euros,” said Duncan Ainscough, managing director, commercial & industrial at Gordon Brothers. “With over €95 billion of assets appraised and disposed in the food and beverage industry, we are a trusted partner with a deep understanding of this sector and a strong history in maximizing asset value for companies in Spain and throughout Europe.”
The machinery and equipment is installed and inspections are available by appointment only. To view the full list of available assets, visit Gordon Brothers’ website: www.gordonbrothers.com/JSP.
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