Gourmet News

Franzia Decks the Box in Holiday Ugly Sweater Style

Published November 7, 2022

Franzia has dressed up its classic Chardonnay box with a colorful holiday ugly sweater design, available for a limited time only. The classic knit holiday sweater graphics are accompanied by a printed-on-the-box bow and gift tag, so gift givers can easily fill in the tag and place the box right under the tree or directly into the hands of eager friends, or, as Franzia call them, “franz.” No wrapping required!

The limited-edition holiday box is available for purchase in retail stores nationwide while supplies last for a suggested retail price of $17.99. This is the second seasonal packaging design for Franzia, following the limited-edition Patriotic box design, which debuted in May 2022.

More than just a limited-edition box, the festive design on the holiday box can also be found on a matching Franzia holiday ugly sweater complete with battery-powered holiday lights. The coordinating set makes party guests the life –and light– of the party. The matching Franzia sweater is available for purchase at shop.franzia.com for $45.

In addition to the Franzia holiday ugly sweater with lights and corresponding holiday box design, Franzia has also released its largest merchandise item ever created for their collections: an inflatable lawn decoration shaped like a real box of Franzia. Available in two varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sunset Blush, the fully inflated yard decoration stands five feet tall with internal lights to illuminate the design. The Franzia inflatable lawn decoration is available for purchase at shop.franzia.com for $50.

“At Franzia, we are always looking to provide new ways for our fans to show off their enthusiasm for the brand. This holiday season, we are taking things to the next level by not only designing a limited-edition holiday Chardonnay box that’s wrapped and ready for gift giving, but also creating a matching holiday ugly sweater with blinking holiday lights. You and your box of Franzia become the star of any holiday party,” said Katie Hoefs, marketing manager. “Additionally, your neighbors will be jealous of your outdoor holiday decorations with our oversized Franzia lawn inflatable, which shows off holiday spirit in a BIG way!”

The Franzia holiday merchandise collection also includes a festive holiday onesie, more Franzia sweaters, Franzia socks and more. For additional information about the limited edition Franzia holiday box, the matching holiday sweater, inflatable lawn decoration and other holiday gift ideas, visit the Franzia website.

For updates on issues of interest to the wine industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.

Lindemanns of Pine River Cheese Spread Honored by Cheese Association

Published November 4, 2022

Phil and Mary Lindemann of Pine River Cheese Spread were recently honored with the Lifetime Membership Award from the Eastern Wisconsin Cheesemakers and Buttermakers Association.

Each year, the organization honors a member that goes above and beyond in their dedication and unselfish service to the Cheese and Dairy Industry.

Lindemanns have more than 40 years of hard work growing their business and promoting their award-winning cheese spreads across the country.

“We’re so honored to be accepting this award,” said Mary Lindemann, marketing director. “When we think back on our career, every person in the room tonight made an impact on us and our business. It was special to be able to celebrate our success with them.”

The celebrations will continue into 2023, when Pine River celebrates its 60th anniversary.

“My dad would be so proud to see how the company has grown since he founded it in 1963,” said Phil Lindemann, CEO. “Today, we are the Most Awarded Cheese Spread in the World. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

The Lindemanns received the award at the 28th Annual Convention held in Menasha, Wis., on Nov. 2.

For updates on issues of interest in the dairy industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.

Dessert Holdings Acquires Dianne’s Fine Desserts

Published October 31, 2022

Dessert Holdings, North America’s leading premium dessert company, has acquired Dianne’s Fine Desserts, a leading provider of premium frozen thaw-and-serve desserts, from Geneva Glen Capital. The acquisition expands Dessert Holdings’ assortment of products supplied to the foodservice industry. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

Founded over 40 years ago, Dianne’s innovative product line includes cheesecakes, layer cakes, pies and tarts, brownies and bars, individual minis and specialty desserts using high quality ingredients and chef inspired craftsmanship. Dianne’s operates two Global Food Safety Initiative-certified manufacturing facilities.

“Dianne’s possesses a distinctive set of product capabilities and customer relationships that are highly complementary with Dessert Holdings,” said Paul Lapadat, CEO of Dessert Holdings. “Dianne’s has an exceptional, innovative team that we are thrilled to welcome to the Dessert Holdings family.”

In conjunction with the transaction, Dianne’s Chief Executive Officer Mike Knowles and President Dan Scales will be retiring.

“We are proud to have grown Dianne’s into a differentiated national supplier and value-added partner to the foodservice channel,” said Knowles. “We are excited for Dianne’s to become part of Dessert Holdings and believe its scale platform and capabilities will enable us to continue to grow,” added Scales.

Adam Schecter and Jeff Gonyo, managing directors at Geneva Glen Capital, said, “We are truly thankful to Mike and Dan and the entire Dianne’s management team for the incredible effort and dedication that resulted in a strong outcome for all of us. The team was able to navigate exceptionally well through the challenges of the pandemic while maintaining focus on continuous operating improvements and delivering first in class menu products to its customers. We are excited to see the Dianne’s team take the next step in their growth as part of Dessert Holdings.”

Dessert Holdings was represented in the transaction by Ropes & Gray as legal advisor, PwC as accounting advisor, and William Blair as exclusive financial advisor. Dianne’s was represented by Katten Muchin Rosenman as legal advisor, RSM as accounting advisor, and Lazard as exclusive financial advisor.

For updates on companies of interest in the specialty food industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.