U.S. pesto and pasta producer Armanino Foods of Distinction has appointed Deanna Jurgens, a former executive at Bonduelle and Beyond Meat, as its new CEO and president. Her leadership will guide the company into a new era, focusing on food and beverage industry trends and expanding its market reach.
Jurgens’ appointment, effective May 12, also includes a position on the board of directors for this manufacturer of Italian specialty foods. She succeeds Tim Anderson, who stepped down in February after announcing his departure in January. Anderson joined the company in March 2020.
In a recent statement, Armanino Foods highlighted Jurgens as a “proven leader” with “deep experience” in developing branded businesses, emphasizing her ability to drive growth and align with food and drink consumer trends.
Jurgens expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, stating, “This company has an incredible foundation of growth, and I look forward to working with our talented team, suppliers, and customers to further broaden our company, build on the Armanino tradition, and extend our success well into the future.”
Before joining Armanino, Jurgens served as Chief Sales Officer at Bonduelle Americas. Her previous experience includes being the President of North America and Global Chief Growth Officer for Beyond Meat, along with a notable 16-year tenure at PepsiCo.
Douglas Nichols, chairman of the Armanino Foods board, praised Jurgens’ extensive experience within the food industry. He noted that her leadership roles at Bonduelle and Beyond Meat have consistently fostered growth, innovation, and strong customer partnerships. “Her strategic vision and proven ability to scale brands globally make her exceptionally well-suited to lead Armanino Foods into its next phase of growth and innovation,” Nichols added.
Armanino Foods specializes in producing frozen Italian foods, serving various markets, including foodservice and retail. The product range comprises pestos, sauces, frozen pasta, cheese shakers, and meatballs, highlighting the company’s commitment to meeting diverse consumer preferences.
In terms of financial performance, Armanino Foods recorded net sales of $69.4 million in 2024, reflecting a 9% increase from the previous year. Additionally, net income rose to $14.4 million, up from $8.8 million in 2023, further underscoring its growth trajectory in the competitive food and drink business landscape.