Saco Foods LLC, a Middleton, Wisconsin-based manufacturer and distributor of specialty consumer packaged goods, has acquired California Sun Dry Foods Inc., a brand of sun-dried tomatoes.
California Sun Dry joins Saco’s line of products including Dolci Frutta, a chocolate hard-shell dessert dip.
Charles Olins, formerly the VP of sales and marketing at Concord Foods, has joined Saco as VP and GM to grow the California Sun Dry brand under Saco’s ownership.
“With the acquisition of California Sun Dry, Saco has significantly expanded its volume in the produce section,” said Tom Walzer, Saco’s CEO and President. “We are excited to welcome Charles Olins to the team and grow and build upon California Sun Dry’s successful legacy in the years to come.”
Saco’s and California Sun Dry’s owners have discussed this transaction for several years, and the formal combination “strengthens the market leading presence of both California Sun Dry and Dolci Frutta in the produce aisle,” the companies say.
California Sun Dry’s owners, Gary DeAtley and Bill Riley, sold the business to facilitate their retirement.
“I’ve known Ray Sanna, Saco’s founder, for over 20 years, and Gary and I believe we’ve found the right long-term home for California Sun Dry,” said Riley. “It will be exciting to see the combined companies and brands grow and thrive under common ownership.”
