Bellisio Foods buys US frozen pizza producer

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The CP Group-owned 106 year old Bellisio Foods has acquired Frozen Specialities Inc. Pic: ©GettyImages/Proformabooks

Bellisio Foods – owned by the Charoen Pokphand Group – has acquired Frozen Specialties Inc. (FSI) from Swander Pace Capital for an undisclosed amount.

Ohio-based FSI produces frozen pizza and pizza bites, primarily for private label, which are distributed across the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The company is an organic certified manufacturer and operates a production facility in Archbold.

FSI will operate under Bellisio’s Overhill Farms division, a producer in private label, co-manufacturing and food service products. Overhill Farms is also part of Thailand-based Charoen Pokphand Group.

Share expertize

“This acquisition of FSI brings together our vibrant, growing companies who share an expertize in delivering delicious, exciting brands and private label products to retail customers that delight consumers,” said Ken Stickevers, president and CEO of Bellisio.

Bellisio and Overhill produce more than 400 products spanning a wide variety of frozen food categories, including single- and multi-serve entrees and snacks. Bellisio’s brands include Snackmandoo, Michelina’s, Boston Market, Chili’s, EAT!, EatingWell, So right, Atkins and Yum Dynasty.

Expanding network

“We’re excited by the innovation and national plant network we can now bring to our private label, co-manufacturing and food service customers,” added Terry O’Brien, president of Overhill Farms.

“The complementary product portfolios and product expertise across our company will benefit our North American and Asian customers.”

The Charoen Pokphand Group, the agribusiness conglomerate led by billionaire Dhanin Chearavanont, bought Bellisio Foods for $1.08bn in 2016. It was CP Group’s first major investment in the US.