New Jersey-based The Filo Factory – which has been GeeFree Foods’ co-packer since its start in 2013 – plans to grow the GeeFree brand by expanding its commercial team, venturing into new distribution channels, adding a new manufacturing plant, doubling down on social media efforts and growing its product line.
GeeFree Foods – founded by Susan Hougui, a former food consultant for fortune 500 food manufacturers like Disney Theme Parks, and master baker Steven Leyva – has experienced tremendous growth, particularly propelled by its recent three year partnership with Procida Funding, which saw penetration in nearly 5,000 retail outlets across the US and cementing relationships with health-conscious consumers and social media influencers, said the company.
It also saw its product line grow to over 10 SKUs, including Franks in a Blanket, Cheeseburger Bites and cream cheese filled Bagel Puffs.
New heights
“We are delighted with the acquisition. They are a great family owned company with full manufacturing capability who knows how to handle making our delicious GeeFree gluten-free pastry sheets and other products,” said Billy Procida, CEO of Procida Funding.
“We are excited to see what the future holds for GeeFree as the possibilities are endless with a leading food manufacturer such as The Fillo Factory.
“GeeFree has been recognised as a gluten-free food innovator and now with a premier innovating manufacturer; there is no doubt that the GeeFree brand will leap to new heights.”
The Fillo Factory operates out of a 120,000 square foot factory in Northvale and a 25,000 square foot facility in Lakewood in New Jersey. Both plants are USDA inspected and carry a number of certifications, including QAI Organic, BRC for Food Safety, GFCO for gluten free, Non-GMO Project, Kof-K and Tablet K for Kosher.
The company plans to add another state-of-the-art plant to its base by 2024.
GeeFree products – certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organisation (GFCO) – are found in the freezer department of grocery and health food stores nationwide or can be ordered online.