US-based Charcuterie Artisans has announced its acquisition of La Quercia Cured Meats, a strategic move that enhances its position in the food and beverage industry.
This acquisition grants Charcuterie Artisans ownership of La Quercia’s production facility located in Norwalk, Iowa, along with a comprehensive array of their products. Financial details surrounding the transaction remain undisclosed.
As the parent company of Creminelli Fine Meats and Daniele, Charcuterie Artisans plans to invest in the La Quercia brand, its production capabilities, and workforce, ensuring sustained growth. In a recent statement, the company emphasized that this deal “expands its portfolio of premium domestic charcuterie,” further committing to traditional production methods and enhancing capacity for the US market.
Founded in 2005 by Herb and Kathy Eckhouse, La Quercia specializes in artisan American cured meats including prosciutto and pancetta. Notably, the company prides itself on offering meat products that are free from antibiotics.
Jason Golly, CEO of Lynch Family Companies, the previous parent of La Quercia, remarked, “Charcuterie Artisans understands the importance of preserving tradition while investing in the future and we are confident in the continued success of La Quercia under their stewardship.” He added that La Quercia’s existing employees will remain on board, continuing collaborations with the Lynch family and Premium Iowa Pork.
Charcuterie Artisans intends to modernize the Norwalk facility, aiming for a 50% increase in production capacity. The revamped plant will focus exclusively on prosciutto production.
Headquartered in Mapleville, Rhode Island, Charcuterie Artisans operates over 660,000 square feet of manufacturing space across various locations, which now includes Norwalk. The company employs more than 700 individuals.
This deal follows Charcuterie Artisans’ acquisition in September by an investment fund managed by Industrial Opportunity Partners (IOP). During that period, the company confirmed that IOP’s substantial investment would be directed toward expanding capacity, strengthening customer partnerships, and fostering innovation.
Charcuterie Artisans markets its Italian-style meats under the Creminelli Fine Meats and Del Duca brands. Jeff Tripician, the CEO, described La Quercia as a “natural fit,” highlighting that their commitment to craft and traditional curing methods aligns perfectly with the heritage of Creminelli, Daniele, and Del Duca.
Daniele, established in 1945, is renowned for its prosciutto and salami, while Creminelli Fine Meats has been a key player in charcuterie and protein snacks since its inception in 2007. In 2020, Daniele and Creminelli Fine Meats merged, strengthened by the backing of Chicago-based private equity firm Entrepreneurial Equity Partners.
As trends in the food and drink business continue to evolve, Charcuterie Artisans is poised to leverage this acquisition to stay ahead in the competitive landscape, maintaining a strong commitment to quality and innovation.
