The Gellert Global Group has finalized an agreement to acquire US cheese maker Heartisan Foods, the parent company of the Red Apple brand.
While the financial terms remain undisclosed, this acquisition is set to enhance Gellert’s portfolio significantly.
Heartisan Foods, located in Barron, Wisconsin, specializes in manufacturing and distributing branded and private-label cheese products, aligning with the growing trends in food and beverage packaging.
Moreover, Gellert Global Group is the owner of Atalanta Corporation, a food importer renowned for its extensive reach in cheese, charcuterie, deli meats, and seafood products.
Atalanta imports and distributes a variety of cheeses, sourcing from Europe, while also operating a cheese conversion facility in the United States.
The company emphasized that Heartisan adds a “strong brand portfolio” and “category-leading conversion and packaging capabilities.” Consequently, it positions Gellert Global Group to expand its influence in both branded and private-label segments.
Established in 2021 through the merger of Red Apple Cheese, Barron County Cheese, and Cheese Brothers, Heartisan was formed with backing from Ronin Equity Partners and Landon Capital Partners.
Just two years later, the company acquired North Country Packaging, furthering its growth trajectory.
Heartisan boasts a diverse offering of over 70 cheese products, including an array of bricks, slices, and snack options like curds, shreds, and spreads.
This product line showcases a variety of flavors, ranging from tomato-sweet basil to ghost pepper, and includes both smoked and kosher cheeses.
Red Apple Cheese products can be found at major retailers such as Walmart, Costco, and Albertsons, expanding their market reach.
Prior to this acquisition, Heartisan’s online brand Cheese Brothers was sold separately for an undisclosed amount, creating strategic alignment for the brand.
Pratap Mukharji, chairman of Heartisan’s board, expressed: “The benefits we’ll be able to achieve with a diversified food group like Gellert Global’s Atalanta make this sale the natural next step in our evolution.”
Additionally, George Gellert, chairman of GGG’s board, remarked: “This acquisition of the Red Apple Cheese brand, Naturally Good Kosher brand, and Heartisan Foods represents a significant milestone in our growth strategy.”
He further noted, “Heartisan’s innovative approach to specialty cheese, combined with our extensive import and distribution network, creates an unparalleled opportunity to meet the growing consumer demand for premium cheese products.”
