Gourmet News

Nye Joins The Vollrath Company as VP of Operations

Published May 7, 2024

Brad Nye has joined The Vollrath Company as senior vice president of operations. In this role, he is responsible for leading and managing the entire Vollrath operations organization including U.S. manufacturing, supply chain, environmental health and safety, and distribution.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brad Nye to our organization. Brad brings a fresh perspective and valuable experience and expertise to Vollrath. He shares our values and has a deep understanding of the importance of people in driving a company’s success,” says Erik Lampe, president and CEO.

“He has demonstrated his commitment to excellence every step of the way in his career. We have full confidence that Brad will be essential in driving innovation, efficiency, and growth across Vollrath’s global facilities and organization.”

Brad Nye is well prepared for his role at The Vollrath Company thanks to a wealth of experience in the manufacturing industry. With over two decades of leadership background, he has proven his expertise in driving change management and operational excellence spanning various industries.

Most recently, he held the role of vice president of manufacturing at Sub-Zero Group, Inc., and previously vice president of Operations at Alliance Laundry Systems LLC. During his extended tenure at Toyota North America, he held positions as general manager in Stamping and Die Fabrication. He adopted standardized processes and standard work as core principles of any safe, quality-driven operation.

His rich background in the manufacturing industry and proven track record of success make him a valuable addition to Vollrath’s leadership team.

Founded in 1874 and based in Sheboygan, Wis., The Vollrath Company is a privately held, family-owned and, today, a six- and seventh-generation woman-owned company. It has nine factories spread across the United States, Europe and China that manufacture products to exacting quality standards globally, backed by outstanding customer service. The company focuses on quality design, engineering and manufacturing across its business divisions for foodservice and custom and specialty products.

For more news of interest to the foodservice industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.

General Mills Acquires Leading European Pet Food Brand Edgard & Cooper

Published May 6, 2024

General Mills has completed the acquisition of Edgard & Cooper, one of Europe’s leading independent premium pet food brands. With this transaction, the company further advances its Accelerate strategy, including the prioritization of its core markets, global platforms and local gem brands to drive sustainable, profitable growth and top-tier shareholder returns over the long term.

“Edgard & Cooper is at the intersection of our Accelerate strategy’s core markets and global platforms,” said Jon Nudi, group president, pet, international and North America foodservice, General Mills. “We’re thrilled to welcome the Edgard & Cooper team to the General Mills family, and we look forward to partnering together to advance their mission to revolutionize premium, natural pet food.”

Established in 2016, Edgard & Cooper is one of the fastest-growing and most-recognized independent pet food companies in Europe, with estimated 2023 retail sales of more than €100 million across 13 markets. With omnichannel distribution capabilities and a commitment to sustainability, the brand is delivering high-quality pet food to dogs and cats across Europe while reducing its impact on the planet.

Headquartered in Kortrijk, Belgium, Edgard & Cooper will be a separate operating unit led by its three founders, Koen Bostoen, Louis Chalabi and Jürgen Degrande, with its financial results consolidated into General Mills’ International segment.

“We’re excited to join Team General Mills and continue doing what Edgard & Cooper is passionate about — making better dog and cat food with real ingredients that pets love and pet owners feel good about,” said Bostoen. “Combining our brand’s natural positioning and commercial capabilities with General Mills’ marketing and supply chain expertise, we’re ready to accelerate Edgard & Cooper’s growth.”

General Mills will fund the acquisition with cash on hand.

Raymond James & Associates Inc. acted as General Mills’ lead financial adviser in this transaction. White & Case LLP served as legal adviser. Morgan Stanley & Co International plc served as exclusive financial adviser to Edgard & Cooper and Linklaters LLP served as legal adviser.

For more news of interest to the pet food industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.

SEG Celebrates Pet Month by Donating Supplies to Animal Welfare Groups

Published May 6, 2024

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is celebrating Pet Month this May by donating more than $22,000 in pet supplies to seven animal welfare organizations throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.

SEG’s contribution aims to support the vital work of the following organizations, each committed to rescuing, nurturing and finding forever homes for animals in need:

Jacksonville Humane Society (Jacksonville)
Lee County Domestic Animal Services (Fort Myers)
Humane Society of Tampa Bay (Tampa)
Paws Humane Society (Columbus, Georgia)
Southern Pines Animal Shelter (Hattiesburg, Miss.)
Louisiana SPCA (New Orleans)
Greater Birmingham Humane Society (Birmingham, Ala.)

Raymond Rhee, chief people officer for Southeastern Grocers, said, “Southeastern Grocers is deeply passionate about the well-being of our four-legged friends. As we celebrate Pet Month, we’re not only supporting organizations; we’re championing the love, companionship and joy pets bring into our lives. It’s an honor to partner with these incredible animal welfare organizations, and we invite our customers to join us in making a heartfelt difference for animals in need.”

During the month of May, SEG encourages Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie customers to support local animals in need by purchasing a reusable Community Bag with a Giving Tag for $2.99 and selecting their local animal welfare organization as the donation recipient. With each purchase of a Community Bag with a Giving Tag, $1 will directly benefit the selected nonprofit organization, while also promoting environmental sustainability by reducing the use of paper and plastic bags.

In 2023, SEG’s Community Bag with a Giving Tag program provided more than $65,000 to local organizations and prevented the use of nearly 2 million single-use plastic bags.^*The reusable bags are made from durable, recycled materials and can be found at the register or near the entrance of every Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie store.

^*Southeastern Grocers estimates one reusable bag will be used at least six times per year, and each time a reusable bag is used it equates to five single-use bags not used; this means for every reusable bag that is sold, 30 single-use bags are not used.

For more news of interest to the grocery industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.