Milling & Baking News - November 14, 2023 - 10

TUES | 11 14 202 3
With Hostess deal done, Smucker
restructures business areas
ORRVILLE, OHIO - The J.M. Smucker
Co. has completed its acquisition of Lenexa,
Kan.-based Hostess Brands, Inc. The transaction
first was announced Sept. 11.
" We are excited to formally welcome
Hostess Brands and for the tremendous
opportunity we have with the combined
capabilities our businesses offer, " said
Mark Smucker, president and chief executive
officer of J.M. Smucker. " Consumers'
increasing reliance on snacking to fit
lifestyle needs and convenience choices
has expanded the occasions where the
category can deliver, and the sweet baked
goods category is one of the largest and
fastest growing in the industry. With the
Hostess acquisition, we have a strong position
in this highly attractive segment with
popular brands that consumers love.
" In addition, the synergy of our businesses
creates a compelling platform to
drive sustainable growth. Hostess offers
an expanded distribution model, including
strength in the convenience store channel,
a robust innovation engine and extensive
manufacturing capabilities. "
The transaction includes the Hostess
sweet baked snacks brands, including Hostess
Donettes, DingDongs, CupCakes, HoHos,
Twinkies, Zingers, CoffeeCakes, Mini
Muffins and Fruit Pies and the Voortman
cookie brand. It also includes manufacturing
facilities in Emporia, Kan.; Burlington,
Ont.; Chicago; Columbus, Ga.; Indianapolis;
and Arkadelphia, Ark. (currently under
construction) and a distribution facility
in Edgerton, Kan. Approximately 3,000
employees will join the company as part of
the transaction.
With the acquisition of Hostess Brands
now complete, the J.M. Smucker Co. has
added Sweet Baked Snacks as a new
reporting segment. The company also
unveiled several leadership
changes.
Dan O'Leary has been
named senior vice president
and general manager of
Sweet Baked Snacks and Pet.
Mr. O'Leary will oversee
the dog snacks and cat food
businesses and will support
brands like Milk-Bone
and Meow Mix. For Sweet
Baked Snacks, Mr. O'Leary
will manage the Hostess and Voortman
brands. Before joining J.M. Smucker Co.,
Mr. O'Leary was chief growth officer at
Hostess Brands from May 2021 until June
2023. Prior to his tenure at Hostess Brands,
he was senior vice president and general
manager for Tyson Foods' retail and prepared
foods group.
Rob Ferguson has been promoted to
Smucker
senior vice president and general manager
of Coffee and procurement. Mr. Ferguson
will lead Smucker's Coffee business and
the company's procurement management
across all categories. The Coffee segment
includes brands like Folgers, Dunkin' and
Cafe Bustelo. Mr. Ferguson previously led
the company's Pet business since 2020. He
Fresh Factory expands snack bar
production capacity in Illinois
CAROL STREAM, ILL. - The Fresh
Factory, a manufacturer of plant-based
and clean label foods and beverages, is
expanding the capacity of its snack bar
production facility in Carol Stream.
As part of the company's strategic
investment in meeting the growing
demand for refrigerated snack bars, The
10
MILLING & BAKING NEWS
Fresh Factory upgraded its infrastructure,
which includes the installation
of a high-volume rack oven as well as
an improved flow wrapper and cutting
knife. According to the company,
these enhancements are expected to
strengthen production capabilities and
thus allow The Fresh Factory to produce
joined the company in 2015 after the acquisition
of Big Heart Pet Brands.
Frozen Handheld and Spreads, formerly
titled Consumer Foods, will continue to be
managed by Rebecca Scheidler, senior vice
president and general manager of Frozen
Handheld and Spreads. Ms. Scheidler will
oversee Smucker's Uncrustables, Jif and
Smucker's brands.
The company's Canadian business
Away From Home and International will
continue to be led by Tim Wayne, senior
vice president.
Since adding the transformation
office over the
past year, Smucker has
established an integrated
portfolio management organization,
which is inclusive
of transformation initiatives,
according to the company.
Under this sector, the company
is aligning strategy,
finance, transformation and
information services, which will be led by
Tucker Marshall, chief financial officer.
Bryan Hutson, senior vice president of
information services, transformation and
portfolio operations, will work with Mr.
Marshall. In his new role, Mr. Hutson will
advance the company's margin enhancement
efforts and enterprise-wide while
ensuring profit growth and productivity
initiative opportunities.
Amy Held, chief transformation officer;
Joe Stanziano, senior vice president and
general manager of Coffee; and Gagnesh
Gupta, senior vice president of procurement
and commodities, will leave their
posts in December and February, the company
said. MBN
many more snack bars on an annual
basis.
" With our expanded production capacity
in place, The Fresh Factory is well positioned
to become a leading manufacturer
of refrigerated snack bars, " said Bill Besenhofer,
co-founder and chief executive officer
of The Fresh Factory. " We completed
these upgrades to satisfy the ever-increasing
demand for this product line. "
The Fresh Factory acquired the produce-forward,
dessert-like refrigerated
snack bar company Phyter Food in 2021. MBN
bakingbusiness.com
J.M. SMUCKER
http://www.bakingbusiness.com
Milling & Baking News - November 14, 2023

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