US-based frozen food producer Harvest Food Group has named Amit Pandhi, the former CEO of Velocity Snack Brands, as its new CEO. The company, which was acquired by US private-equity firm Industrial Opportunity Partners earlier this year, is headquartered in Naperville, Illinois. Pandhi brings to the role extensive experience in the food industry, having previously overseen a portfolio of brands including Popchips at Velocity Snack Brands.
Pandhi’s LinkedIn profile indicates that he held the position of CEO at Velocity Snack Brands from October 2019 to December 2022. Prior to that, he served as the president and chief executive of Arctic Zero, a low-calorie frozen dessert maker, for nine years. Norman Young, the chairman of Harvest Food Group, expressed confidence in Pandhi’s ability to drive growth and innovation in the food space.
Harvest Food Group supplies frozen vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, and herbs to food manufacturers. The company also has a presence in the foodservice industry, as well as co-packing and private-label contracts. In his new role, Pandhi aims to expand the company’s private label, foodservice, contract manufacturing, branded, and ingredient businesses. He also intends to strengthen relationships with existing customers while pursuing opportunities with emerging brands in the frozen food sector.
Co-founder Jason Eckert will transition from his role as president to a board member at HFG. He highlighted Pandhi’s experience in organization-building and maximizing growth and profitability as key assets that will help position Harvest Food Group for future success.
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