Packaged goods firm Saco Foods acquires California Sun Dry Foods

Speciality consumer packaged goods manufacturer Saco Foods has acquired California Sun Dry Foods, a major sun-dried tomatoes brand in the US.

Concord Foods former vice-president of sales and marketing Charles Olins has joined Saco as vice-president and general manager.

Saco CEO and president Tom Walzer said: “With the acquisition of California Sun Dry, Saco has significantly expanded its volume in the produce section.

“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.”

The transaction has been discussed by the owners of the two companies for several years and the combination is expected to strengthen the presence of California Sun Dry and Saco’s DolciFrutta brand in the produce aisle.

California Sun Dry owners Gary DeAtley and Bill Riley said that they sold the business to facilitate their retirement.

Bill Riley said: “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.

“It will be exciting to see the combined companies and brands grow and thrive under common ownership.”

Saco was founded in 1973 and distributes primarily to supermarkets and mass retailers in the US. The company’s primary products include DolciFrutta, powdered instant milk, powdered dry buttermilk and baking cocoa sold under the Saco Pantry family of brands.

California Sun Dry was founded in 1991 and supplies shelf-stable sun-dried tomato products sold through supermarkets, mass retailers and club stores in the US and Canada. The company has an extensive product portfolio of jarred and bagged sun-dried tomato products.