Legacy Food Group Hires Laurie Bergman as CFO
Legacy Food Group has hired Laurie Bergman, a highly experienced financial executive, as chief financial officer.
With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Bergman has a proven track record of success in both private equity-backed and public companies, with significant accomplishments in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and financial operations.
In her previous roles as CFO of Liquid Environmental Solutions, a leading provider of turnkey solutions for non-hazardous liquid waste management, as well as her many leadership roles at UGI Corporation, a fortune 500 energy marketer, Bergman oversaw finance-related activities, including growth strategy, corporate financing, and managing the relationship with the private equity sponsor and corporate boards. Both LES and UGI successfully integrated numerous acquisitions, many of which were family-owned regional businesses.
“I am delighted to join this innovative platform, which is built on the foundation of successful, long-standing operators. Their expertise and commitment to excellence are the backbone of our business. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to our growth and success in a dynamic and important industry.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Laurie as our new chief financial officer,” said Steve Push, CEO of LFG. “Laurie has a tremendous background in finance, strategic growth, and value creation. She understands the foodservice industry with her strong prior experience, and her proven track record in mergers and acquisitions, finance, and strategic planning make her an invaluable addition to our leadership team.”
Bergman holds a master of business administration and a bachelor of business administration from Temple University. She is a certified public accountant and a certified management accountant. Additionally, she serves on the boards of Arq Inc. and QNB Corporation, bringing her expertise to audit and strategic planning committees.
Bergman’s hire reinforces Legacy Food Group’s commitment to investing in a world class leadership ream, and to driving growth and operational excellence for its divisions through strong financial leadership. Her experience in M & A, corporate financing, and strategic initiatives will be crucial as LFG continues to expand its footprint to new markets and acquire new divisions.
Legacy Food Group is a holding company created to acquire high-quality regional independent distributors that will become owned operating divisions. By knitting together multiple distributors, Legacy Food Group will achieve macro-scale with micro-market nimbleness, preserving the differences that work for independents while achieving synergies that can greatly benefit members.
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Refresco Acquires Plant-Based Drinks Maker Frías
Refresco, a global independent beverage solutions provider for retailers and global, national, and emerging (GNE) brands in Europe, North America and Australia, has entered into an agreement to acquire Frías Nutrición from Alantra Private Equity and the founding family. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval.
Frías is a leading manufacturer of plant-based drinks with a production facility located in Burgos, Spain and employs around 250 people. Frías produces private label plant-based drinks, including almond, rice, hazelnut, and soy drinks, for key Spanish retailers and beyond.
CEO Refresco, Hans Roelofs, commented: “As part of our proven Buy & Build strategy, we are looking to expand our capabilities in existing and adjacent beverage categories. The acquisition of Frías significantly strengthens our position in the fast-growing plant-based drinks category. It complements our existing footprint in Spain with a production facility solely dedicated to plant-based products.
“In addition, acquiring Frías enables us to further expand our service offering to retailers and branded customers and retailers across Europe, accelerates our product innovation capabilities in the plant-based drinks category, and underscores our ability to capture opportunities in the market.”
Bruno Delgado-Luque, partner ,Alantra Private Equity, added: “Since we acquired Frías in 2019, the company has been on a remarkable growth trajectory, confirming its leadership position in the Iberian Peninsula, and expanding its international business. Together with the Frías family, we launched a major investment plan that resulted in the creation of one of the most modern and efficient plant-based drinks factories in Europe. We are confident that Frías has a bright future ahead and will continue its successful growth with the support of Refresco.”
Transaction highlights
- The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.
- Closing of the transaction is expected later this year.
- The financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed.
Refresco is the global independent beverage solutions provider for retailers and global, national and emerging brands with production in Europe, North America and Australia. Refresco offers an extensive range of product and packaging combinations from juices to carbonated soft drinks and mineral waters in carton, PET, Aseptic PET, cans and glass. Refresco continuously searches for new and alternative ways to improve the quality of its products and packaging combinations in line with consumer and customer demand, environmental responsibilities and market demand. Refresco is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and has more than 14,500 employees.
Alantra Private Equity is a pioneer in the Iberian private equity market with more than 30 years of experience and investments of c. €2.0bn. It has a unique and proven track record in the food and beverage, healthcare, and industrial technology sectors throughout different economic cycles. Since 1990, Alantra Private Equity has led investments in more than 120 assets (60 platforms and 65 add-ons) and has completed more than 50 exits.
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Maison Jospeh Drougin Ships Wines to US Via Sailboat
Maison Joseph Drouhin, renowned for the quality of its Burgundy wines, is taking a new step in its sustainability commitment by announcing its first wine shipment by sailboat. In partnership with TOWT, 15,000 bottles of 2022 Chablis and Côte de Beaune white wines will set sail in summer 2024 aboard the Anemos for a transatlantic voyage between Le Havre and New York.
This initiative represents a strong commitment for the Beaune-based company, adopting this innovative and sustainable mode of transport in line with its long-established environmental approach. This carbonless navigation allows for a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 98% reduction in sulphur oxide emissions while ensuring the quality and integrity of the wines during the 15-day voyage.
The USA holds particular significance for the Drouhin family, which has owned an import company in New York and 100 hectares of vineyards in Oregon for over 40 years. As pioneers in this region, the Drouhin family continues to affirm its strong connection with the American market, its first export market after France. This first transatlantic voyage by sailboat is set to become a regular occurrence, with two annual shipments planned in the coming years until the arrival of new boats.
This initiative by Maison Joseph Drouhin is based on its core values: Passion, Harmony, Audacity, Regenerative, Excellence (PHARE, “Lighthouse” in French).
Having long been committed to environmentally respectful practices, it was one of the first Burgundy houses to adopt organic and biodynamic viticulture practices in the late 1980s. It has introduced innovative initiatives such as creating a lightweight bottle in 2008.
Inspired by family values passed down through generations, Maison Joseph Drouhin has long been committed to embodying the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and actively contributing to sustainable development in all its aspects.
Frédéric Drouhin, chairman of the executive board and a member of the fourth generation, expresses this vision by stating: “Today, the employees of Maison Joseph Drouhin and I are proud of our actions that go beyond the CSR approach. It represents not only our core values but also our commitment to a better future for our planet and future generations. Our goal for 2030 is to be a model in our choices for preserving the wine heritage and ensuring its resilience in the face of internal and external climatic and human challenges.”
Joseph Drouhin is the first wine company to have signed the Climate Business Convention, reaffirming its commitment to reducing its ecological footprint.
For Diana Mesa, General Manager, and Guillaume Le Grand, President of TOWT, this commercial partnership is a true success: “Joseph Drouhin, through its high-quality products and commitments to respecting our environment, is an exceptional partner for TOWT. Today, we are proud to collaborate together to decarbonize the maritime sector and promote sustainable maritime transport.”
Founded in 1880, Maison Joseph Drouhin has five generations of experience and expertise and relies heavily on family tradition. The estate comprises 100 hectares of vineyards, 14 of which are Grand Cru and 30 Premiers Cru, all managed according to organic and biodynamic viticulture principles since 1988. Additionally, the Maison purchases grapes from loyal suppliers to complete its range where it does not own vineyards. Respect for the originality of the terroir and vintage, finesse, elegance, and harmony: this defines the Joseph Drouhin style.
The Anemos is part of the new generation of sail cargo ships from TOWT (TransOceanic Wind Transport) for transporting wines by sail cargo ship. Currently being completed in Concarneau, this ship will be inaugurated shortly in Le Havre before departing for New York. The Anemos promises to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 90% compared to traditional cargo ships thanks to its primarily wind-powered propulsion. At 80 meters long with a cargo capacity of 1100 tons, Anemos is the largest and most efficient sail cargo ship in its category. It is the first of eight vessels for the company.
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