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Global Cuisine

Seviroli Foods Partners With Mill Point to Expand Growth

Seviroli Foods, Inc., manufacturer of frozen pasta and other food products, and Vertullo Imports LLC, a specialty food importer, have partnered with Mill Point Capital LLC, a middle-market private equity firm focused on control-oriented investments in the business services, industrials and technology sectors in North America.

eviroli has been family owned and operated since its founding in 1960 and provides a leading line of chef-inspired artisan-filled pastas, sauces and Italian desserts. Joseph Seviroli Jr., CEO and second-generation owner of Seviroli, will continue in his role alongside President and COO Paul Vertullo and other key members of the management team.

“We are excited to continue building upon my family’s proud 62-year operating history alongside Mill Point,” Seviroli said. “Seviroli’s track record of growth, innovation and quality customer service are expected to be significantly enhanced through our partnership.”

“The partnership and combination of resources with Mill Point accelerates our ability to continue Seviroli’s and Vertullo’s long-term growth trajectory and execute strategic initiatives,” Vertullo said.

“We have been thoroughly impressed by the strong operating foundation and culture Joe, Paul and the rest of the Seviroli team have created. I am confident that with their expertise and Mill Point’s insight, the company will further elevate its product ideation, customer relationships and operational excellence,” said Jim Schubauer, Mill Point’s executive partner and executive vice chairman of Seviroli.

“Throughout its history, Seviroli has continually distinguished itself as a leader in its sector. We are committed to maintaining the core values that the Seviroli family and team have created and look forward to pursuing numerous growth avenues ahead,” said Dustin Smith, partner of Mill Point.

Seviroli manufactures products for the foodservice, club and grocery/retail channels, offering a variety of items including ravioli, tortellini, stuffed shells, manicotti, short cut pastas and other products. Seviroli operates out of three manufacturing facilities in the New York Metro area with the capability to serve customers nationally.

Vertullo imports over 150 items from 19 countries including pasta, rice, sauces, oils, truffles, and other fresh and frozen goods. Vertullo supplies products to Seviroli as well as third-party foodservice, retail and e-commerce trade customers.

Mill Point Capital LLC is a private equity firm focused on control investments in lower-middle market companies across the business services, technology and industrials sectors in North America. Mill Point’s experienced team of investors and Executive Partners seek portfolio company value enhancement through rigorous implementation of transformative strategic initiatives and operational improvements. Mill Point is based in New York, N.Y.

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Stove Top Stuffing Pants – Yes, It’s a Thing

The Thanksgiving holiday brings many things: the crisp fall air, early morning turkey trots, delicious food and of course, those uncomfortable conversations with extended family members that you haven’t seen in a while. To bring comfort to every facet of Thanksgiving this year, including your conversations and waistband, Stove Top, a Kraft Heinz Company brand, is excited to bring back Stuffing Pants to celebrate its 50th anniversary—because everyone knows when it comes to Thanksgiving, the stretchier, the better.

Stove Top Stuffing Pants are available on Amazon.com in a variety of sizes for a limited time only, while supplies last. The new and improved jogger-style pants feature:

  • 360 degree stuffin’-stretch technology
  • An extra wide, waistband so you don’t feel guilty about going back for seconds (or even thirds)
  • An extra-large cargo pocket in case you can’t resist sneaking some stuffing for later
  • Soft, Stove Top red fabric so you can enjoy Thanksgiving in comfort and style

“After listening to our fans and hearing the demand to bring comfort to the Thanksgiving dinner table, we are thrilled to bring back our Stuffing Pants this year with a new modern twist,” said Martina Davis, associate director, Marketing at Kraft Heinz. “We understand that one of the most important parts of holiday dinners is comfort and convenience, so we are excited to launch our Stuffing Pants to make Thanksgiving fun and allow you to enjoy life’s special moments with friends and family.”

For news of interest to the specialty food industry, subscribe to Gourmet News (and have a Happy Thanksgiving!).

Nasoya to Showcase Plantspired Line at Global Produce & Floral Show

Nasoya, the country’s #1 brand of tofu and a leader in the plant-based movement, will showcase its successful Plantspired line of ready-to-eat plant-based meal solutions, including a first taste of forthcoming innovations, at this year’s Global Produce & Floral ShowOct. 27-29 in Orlando, Fla.

Attendees will sample the popular Plantspired Steak marinated in Korean BBQ sauce as well as a new variety of Plantspired Toss’ables, which feature bite-sized, pre-baked tofu bites marinated with Korean Sweet Chili sauce. The new Plantspired Toss’ables variety will be available at retailers nationwide in 2023.

“Nasoya is committed to meeting consumers where they are on their plant-based journey, offering convenient and delicious Asian-inspired options that appeal to American’s evolving preferences,” said Ellen Kim, director of brand strategy & marketing communications at Pulmuone, parent company of Nasoya. “Our Plantspired products are better-for-you, plant-based solutions created with accessibility and sustainability in mind.”

Nasoya’s first expansion into plant-based meat alternatives, award-winning Korean BBQ Plantspired Steak, is continuing to gain traction with increased retail distribution and food service partnerships since its retail debut in March 2022. Applauded for its craveable taste and meat-like texture, Plantspired Steak has grown its retail footprint at over 4,000 grocers nationwide, with distribution at Wegmans, Publix, Sprouts, Stop & Shop, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and more. Sales of Plantspired Steak have increased 800 percent since it originally arrived in grocery stores, highlighting the consumer demand for plant-based food options that don’t sacrifice taste, quality, or nutrition.

Plantspired Steak also continues to make waves in the food service category with products now featured at university dining halls across the country – including University of California RiversideUniversity of California Los AngelesOhio State UniversityGeorgia State UniversityUniversity of MinnesotaRice UniversityVanderbilt and The University of Massachusetts Amherst. Plantspired Steak was also recently showcased and tasted at the popular Los Angeles Vegandale Festival, as well as at Natural Products Expo West earlier this year.

“We’ve worked hard to perfect a plant-based steak product that is charcoal grilled to perfection with Asian-inspired flavors, offering a premium experience in terms of taste and texture. We’re thrilled that our consumers’ reaction to our Plantspired Steak has matched our excitement,” said Sung Yoon Nam, vice president of marketing & sales at Pulmuone. “We’re looking forward to bringing consumers more authentic, sustainable and nutritious plant-based protein options that are convenient and easy to incorporate into a variety of meals.”

Global Produce & Floral Show is one of the largest international fresh produce and floral trade shows, bringing together producers, suppliers, distributors, and other thought leaders in the produce category. Visit Nasoya at the 2022 Global Produce & Floral Show at Booth #1905.

Pick up an issue of Produce Show Daily at the Global Produce & Floral Show. Subscribe to Gourmet News to keep up with trade shows of interest to the specialty food industry.