In the food and beverage industry, Canada-based private-label manufacturer Commercial Bakeries has made a strategic move by acquiring US better-for-you baked goods maker Imagine Baking. This acquisition is aimed at expanding the company’s capabilities and tapping into the growing trend towards private-label baked snacks in the North American cookie and cracker market.
Imagine Baking, known for its gluten-free and organic product portfolio, offers a range of crackers, cookies, biscuits, and brittle. Commercial Bakeries sees this acquisition as an opportunity to enhance its position in the market and capitalize on the increasing demand for healthier snack options.
According to Commercial Bakeries CEO Shawn Warren, the addition of Imagine Baking aligns with the company’s growth strategy and will enable both businesses to accelerate towards their goals. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for Commercial Bakeries since being acquired by investment firm Graham Partners in September last year.
Headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio, Imagine Baking operates a 114,000-square-foot facility with advanced manufacturing lines, packaging capabilities, and an R&D laboratory. This infrastructure will unlock new opportunities for the combined businesses and drive innovation in the private-label baked goods segment.
“We are delighted to welcome John and Adrienne O’Donnell [founders of Imagine Baking] and their Imagine Baking team into the expanded business,” said Warren. Adrienne and John O’Donnell also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the synergies between the two companies and their shared commitment to product innovation.
In a similar vein, Sweetmore Bakeries in the US recently completed the acquisition of Sweet Eddie’s, a wholesale manufacturer of cinnamon rolls. This strategic move aligns with Sweetmore Bakeries’ goal of enhancing its product portfolio in the retail and foodservice channels.
Sweetmore Bakeries CEO David Veenstra highlighted the strategic importance of adding Sweet Eddie’s offerings to the company’s existing products. With a focus on quality and innovation, Sweetmore Bakeries aims to better serve retail and foodservice customers across the US.
As the food and beverage industry continues to evolve, these acquisitions reflect a trend towards consolidation and strategic partnerships to drive growth and innovation. Companies like Commercial Bakeries and Sweetmore Bakeries are positioning themselves to meet the changing needs of consumers and stay ahead in a competitive market.
