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Maison Solutions Acquires Arizona-Based Asian Grocer Lee Lee Supermarkets

Maison Solutions Inc. a U.S.-based specialty grocery retailer offering traditional Asian and international food and merchandise, has acquired Lee Lee Oriental Supermart, Inc., a three-store supermarket chain operating under the name, Lee Lee International Supermarkets, in the greater Phoenix and Tucson metro areas.

The company acquired  the supermarkets through AZLL, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company and the company’s wholly owned subsidiary. The purchase price of $22.2 million will be paid over a 10-month period and includes $7 million in cash paid immediately at closing on April 8, with the rest paid through a secured note agreement.

“This transaction demonstrates our strategy of expanding by acquisition in geographic locations with large and growing Asian and ethnic populations,” said John Xu, president and chief executive officer of Maison Solutions. “Lee Lee International Supermarkets has an established brand presence in Arizona and is a perfect fit for Maison, giving us a base for further growth in the region.

“The strategic acquisition is expected to add approximately $70 million in annual revenue for us, effectively doubling our current size. We remain committed to future growth through new store openings and acquisitions,” Xu added.

Stores Highlights:

  • The Chandler (Phoenix metro area) store comprises more than 52,000 square feet. This market includes a Vietnamese restaurant, a bakery, and a jewelry store.
  • The Peoria (Phoenix metro area) store comprises more than 60,000 square feet. This market includes a Vietnamese restaurant, a boba tea store, a jewelry store and a clothing store.
  • The Tucson store comprises more than 51,000 square feet. This market includes a Vietnamese restaurant and a BBQ restaurant.

Lee Lee International Supermarkets is the largest international market in Arizona. Its three locations offer products from more than 30 countries and regions, and provide the highest quality product selection available. Founded over 30 years ago, Lee Lee International Supermarkets has won multiple awards for best international supermarket, Asian market and specialty foods.

Maison Solutions Inc. is a U.S.-based specialty grocery retailer offering traditional Asian food and merchandise, particularly to members of Asian-American communities. The Company is committed to providing Asian fresh produce, meat, seafood, and other daily necessities in a manner that caters to traditional Asian-American family values and cultural norms, while also accounting for the new and faster-paced lifestyle of younger generations and the diverse makeup of the communities in which the company operates. Since its formation in 2019, the company has acquired equity interests in four traditional Asian supermarkets in the Los Angeles area, and has been operating them under the brand name HK Good Fortune.

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Exclusive: ADF Foods Unveils Truly Indian at Natural Products Expo West

EXCLUSIVE TO GOURMET NEWS

ADF Foods, a fourth-generation, family-owned leader in gourmet frozen and shelf-stable Indian foods, presents a new brand, Truly Indian, that celebrates ADF Foods’ rich culinary legacy while delivering exceptional craftsmanship and quality to the U.S. market. 

The unveiling will take place at Natural Products Expo West on Thursday, March 14, at the Truly Indian booth number #524. 

“Truly Indian represents a culinary journey dedicated to bringing the best freshly prepared Indian food to your home,” says Bimal Thakkar, CEO of ADF Foods, “With a commitment to quality and a dedication to preserving the rich flavors of India, we are excited to bring the diverse and vibrant tastes of our homeland to American households.”

Truly Indian, the latest addition to the ADF Foods family of brands, embodies this culinary legacy with a commitment to authenticity and artisanal quality. It offers a range of freshly crafted Indian foods, marking an exciting chapter in delivering the Indian food experience to the West.

Established in 1932 as a humble storefront in Mumbai, ADF Foods has evolved into a global producer of over 400 diverse products, serving families in 55 countries. From delectable frozen snacks and meals to robust cooking sauces and shelf-stable ready-to-eat entrees, each product is freshly made in India using time-honored small-batch techniques and artisanal craftsmanship.

With meticulous attention to detail, ADF Foods’ chefs artfully blend fresh, healthy ingredients with the finest Indian spices, ensuring that every Truly Indian dish is bursting with flavor.

Plant-Based Entrees

  • Plant-Based Butter Chik’n (Frozen): A plant-based take on the classic flavors of Butter Chicken in a convenient frozen format

    Samosas
  • Vegetable Samosa: A flavorful blend of vegetables encased in a golden, crispy pastry, perfect for sharing. Approximately 80 percent of Indian restaurants in the US feature ADF Foods’ samosas. 
  • Jumbo Vegetable Samosa: A larger version of the classic samosa, promising an indulgent bite.

    Naan 
  • Tandoori Naan: Soft and pillowy naan bread, expertly baked to perfection, ideal for pairing with a variety of dishes. 
  • Tandoori Garlic Naan: Infused with aromatic garlic, this naan elevates any meal with its bold flavors.

    Vegan Cooking Sauces
  • Butter Chicken Sauce: A luscious, plant-based rendition of the beloved Butter Chicken sauce.
  • Tikka Masala Sauce: Rich and aromatic, this vegan Tikka Masala sauce brings t
  • he essence of Indian cuisine to your kitchen. 
  • Madras Curry Sauce: A harmonious blend of spices in a vegan curry sauce, offering a taste of Southern India. 
  • Vindaloo Sauce: Bold and spicy, this vegan Vindaloo sauce is an invitation to savor the flavors of Goa.

    Ready to Eat Meal Pouches, Vegan Entrees 
  • Curried Chickpeas (Chana Masala): Chickpeas simmered in a fragrant curry, creating a hearty and satisfying dish. 
  • Spiced Lentil & Bean Chili (Dal Makhani): A comforting blend of spiced lentils and beans, offering a true taste of North India. 
  • Creamed Spinach & Tofu Curry (Palak Tofu Paneer): A creamy and indulgent spinach and tofu curry that’s both nourishing and delicious. 
  • Potato Pea Curry (Aloo Matar): A classic combination of potatoes and peas in a flavorful curry, reminiscent of home-cooked comfort.

    Ready to Eat Meal Pouches, Vegan Rice 
  • Tikka Masala Rice: Fragrant basmati rice paired with the iconic Tikka Masala sauce, creating a convenient and tasty meal. 
  • Bombay Biryani: Aromatic and flavorful, this vegan Biryani showcases the culinary diversity of India.

    Roti Wraps, Indian Street Food 
  • Cottage Cheese & Green Pepper (Paneer Tikka): A fusion of flavors wrapped in a soft roti, capturing the essence of Indian street food. 
  • Tandoori Spiced Potato (Tandoori Aloo): Spiced potato filling wrapped in a tandoori-flavored roti, offering a satisfying and flavorful bite. 
  • Cauliflower and Potato (Aloo Gobi): A medley of cauliflower and potato, encased in a soft roti for a handheld delight. 
  • Cottage Cheese & Biryani (Paneer Biryani): A marriage of paneer and biryani, expertly wrapped in a roti for a convenient and savory treat.

    For sales inquiries, contact Rasa Kumar, senior vice president, Truly Indian, Rasa@adf-foods.com

Truly Indian is a proud member of the ADF Foods family of brands. Born out of the rich culinary heritage of ADF Foods, Truly Indian is committed to delivering authentic and flavorful Indian foods. With a focus on quality, tradition, and innovation, Truly Indian brings the diverse and popular flavors of India to tables around the world. http://www.trulyindianfoods.com/

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

Pagoda Snacks Named ‘Official Egg Roll’ of LCS Spring Split

LCS & PAGODA

Just in time for Lunar New Year and the League Championship Series (LCS) Spring Split, the maker of Pagoda Snacks announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Riot Games — the company behind the leading global esports property League of Legends.

Pagoda Snacks will be featured as the “Official Egg Roll” of LCS and offer fans the perfect game-time snack through special activations, product drops and giveaways throughout the LCS season.

The LCS is the preeminent professional North American esport and currently the fourth most-viewed professional sports league in North America for gamers in the 18-34 years-old age demographic. Pagoda Snacks will be integrated throughout LCS’ 2024-2026 season events connecting LCS fans with the perfect go-to snacks to refuel.

“We know more time in the kitchen means less time to playing and streaming League of LegendsAccording to YouGov, approximately 50 percent of next-gen consumers feel as though their lifestyles do not leave enough time to prepare food,” said Monica Ball, marketing manager for Pagoda Snacks. “That’s where our craveable and convenient lineup of Pagoda Snacks comes to the rescue. From our crispy egg rolls loaded with freshly cut vegetables and authentic seasoning to our Crab Rangoon filled with real crab meat and cream cheese paired with a sweet chili sauce, we offer quick, easy-to-prepare but still delicious snacks for LCS players and fans to refuel and supercharge their gaming sessions.”

“We’re thrilled to have Pagoda Snacks join the LCS as our newest partner and further as the ‘Official Egg Roll’ of the League Championship Series,” said Mark Zimmerman, LCS Commissioner. “There’s no better food to fuel our fan experience than egg rolls and I know LCS fans will be hyped to add Pagoda Snacks to their go-to snack lineup.”

As the “Official Egg Roll” of LCS, Pagoda Snacks will be a part of the LCS broadcasts with a “Let Him Cook” segment that will spotlight the best plays and moments of the day from professional players.

Additional Pagoda Snacks broadcast integration will come with the “Put the Egg Rolls In” Tech Pause, where LCS fans will have the perfect opportunity to fuel up and grab a bite to eat.

Throughout the partnership, fans should keep an eye out for additional Pagoda Snacks activations and touchpoints like exclusive drops and promotions so they can celebrate the season with LCS’ “Official Egg Roll.”

Made with quality ingredients, Pagoda Snacks strive to be the superheroes in every family’s freezer. With golden-brown, crispy, crunchy wrappers, fresh-cut vegetables, tasty filling and quality ingredients, Pagoda Egg Rolls are the perfect snack to crush your cravings. Pagoda Snacks include potstickers, crab rangoon, and cream cheese wontons. The brand’s entire portfolio of products contains no partially hydrogenated oils, no high fructose corn syrup and no added MSG. Pagoda Snacks are made and distributed throughout the U.S. by subsidiaries of Schwan’s Company. For more information, please visit www.PagodaSnacks.com.

League of Legends Esports (LoL Esports) is the fastest growing global sport and the pinnacle of competitive gaming with 9 regional leagues, 93 professional esport teams, and more than 860 players. Accessible around the globe on 35+ TV and digital channels, it is one of the most-watched forms of sports entertainment globally. League of Legends Esports started in 2011 and remains owned and operated by Riot Games, one of the world’s top video game developers. Led by Naz Aletaha, Global Head of LoL Esports, our mission is to build a thriving global sports ecosystem by focusing on growth, engagement, profitability, integrity, and accessibility. From the thrilling regional league competitions that captivate millions of fans across the globe to the trophy lift at Worlds, it all lives within LoL Esports. For more information, please visit LoLEsports.com.

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