US-based Dessert Holdings has strategically expanded its dessert portfolio by acquiring Willamette Valley Pie Company.
Financial details regarding the acquisition remain undisclosed.
Headquartered in Minnesota, Dessert Holdings asserted that adding Willamette enhances its array of dessert offerings supplied to both retail and foodservice sectors.
Willamette prides itself on delivering “highly customizable, hand-crafted” fruit pies, cobblers, and desserts, as noted by Dessert Holdings.
Dessert Holdings, acquired by Bain Capital in 2021, features renowned brands such as Steven Charles, The Original Cakerie, and Lawler’s Desserts.
Paul Lapadat, the CEO of Dessert Holdings, stated, “Willamette holds a distinctive market position, having garnered a deeply loyal following, forged key connections with local growers and suppliers, and established long-standing relationships with leading retailers.”
This acquisition represents “an incredible opportunity to support the company’s growth, bolster its retail relationships, and drive expansion of its beloved products,” Lapadat emphasized.
Founded in 2001 in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Willamette will maintain its operational integrity under its management team, led by president Austin Kelly, who joined four years ago.
Kelly remarked, “We are incredibly proud of our heritage and how far we have come – growing into a trusted, distinctive partner for leading retailers nationwide.”
Additionally, he expressed, “Joining the Dessert Holdings platform is an exciting new chapter, and we believe they share our passion and values to help us grow while staying true to who we are.”
In May of last year, Dessert Holdings acquired Kenny’s Great Pies from investor Kaho Partners. Kenny’s, a manufacturer of cream-based pies, has been in operation since 1989 and is based in Smyrna, Georgia.
