Gourmet News

Lakeview Farms, noosa Holdings Form New Company, Novus Foods

Published February 25, 2025

Lakeview Farms, a portfolio company of CapVest Partners LLP has announced the successful completion of its merger with noosa Holdings, Inc. The combined businesses will operate as a new company, Novus Foods, a name that reflects the company’s vision to become the leading consumer packaged goods company for the refrigerated perimeter of the grocery store.

The merger, first announced on Nov. 12, was finalized following the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. noosa yoghurt will operate as a stand-alone division of Novus Foods.

“We are thrilled to join the noosa yoghurt business with Lakeview Farms as we create Novus Foods,” said Tom Davis, CEO of Lakeview Farms. “This represents a huge opportunity for both businesses to leverage their strengths and innovate within the growing yogurt category and beyond. Novus Foods will embody the companies’ combined expertise and passion for delivering high-quality, innovative fresh foods to consumers.”

Novus Foods is well-positioned to drive category growth and retail success. The company’s products are available at major retailers including Walmart, Kroger, Albertson’s, Publix and more. The rebrand to Novus Foods will be completed in the second half of 2025.

noosa is known for its premium whole-milk, Australian-style, high-quality yoghurt products, celebrated for their rich, creamy texture and unique flavors. The merger includes noosa’s outstanding portfolio of products, a talented team with deep yogurt expertise, and a state-of-the-art production facility in Bellvue, Colorado. Approximately 240 current noosa team members have joined Novus Foods as a result of the merger.

“We are excited to join Lakeview Farms, a company that shares our deep commitment to quality and a passion for the refrigerated snacking space,” said Paula Benedetto, noosa SVP / General Manager. “Together as Novus Foods, we have a stronger platform to continue growing and delivering exceptional products to our customers and consumers.”

Citi, Truist, and TD Securities served as joint lead arrangers in the financing for the merger. Citi acted as lead financial advisor to Lakeview Farms, with Truist and TD Securities also advising the company. The terms of the merger were not disclosed.

Novus Foods brings together Lakeview Farms and noosa Holdings, Inc. under a single, bold identity, aiming to become the leading consumer packaged goods company for the refrigerated perimeter of the grocery store. Novus Foods is committed to delivering high-quality, innovative fresh foods that delight consumers. The company leverages noosa’s expertise in premium whole-milk, Australian-style yoghurt alongside Lakeview Farms’ diverse portfolio of refrigerated desserts, dips, salsa, hummus and specialty products. The combined product offerings include popular brands such as Fresh Cravings, La Mexicana, Señor Rico and Salads of the Sea.

noosa yoghurt is the maker of delicious, smooth, and creamy yoghurt – made with the finest ingredients, such as whole milk, real fruit, and wildflower honey. noosa’s full product line includes yoghurts in a variety of flavors and sizes. All of noosa’s full-on tasty yoghurts begin with the freshest whole milk. For more information, please visit www.noosayoghurt.com or follow on Instagram @noosayoghurt and Facebook @noosayoghurt.

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DoorDash Adds Four Grocers to Marketplace

Published February 24, 2025

DoorDash has welcomed multiple grocers to the DoorDash Marketplace. Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets, Festival Foods, Marc’s, and Woodman’s Food Markets are now live on DoorDash. Consumers can enjoy on-demand delivery of their groceries and household staples from these new partners, right to their doorsteps.

Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets: A family-owned business specializing in international, traditional, healthy, and organic food with ten locations in the Chicagoland area.
Festival Foods: With 42 locations in Wisconsin, Festival Foods is a family- and employee-owned grocer that is committed to giving back to the communities it serves and providing guests with exceptional service and value.
Marc’s: A locally-owned and operated discount retailer with 60+ locations throughout Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, and Columbus. Marc’s provides high-quality groceries, fresh produce, fresh meats, frozen and dairy, household essentials, local favorites, wellness products, and much more at discount prices.
Woodman’s Food Markets: An employee-owned grocery chain with nineteen locations across Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, Woodman’s Food Markets offers everything from fresh produce and meats to bakery goods and household essentials.

The new partners announced today offer consumers across three states increased access to their favorite local grocers, connecting shoppers with the best of the neighborhood. Whether it’s purchasing specialty ingredients for a dinner party or stocking up on pantry essentials for the family, DoorDash is the one-stop shop for consumers’ daily needs. The selection from these new merchants adds to the over 500,000+ products available from regional grocers on the DoorDash Marketplace.

With more than 99% of DoorDash’s monthly consumers in the U.S. having access to a non-restaurant retailer on the DoorDash Marketplace, DoorDash continues to bolster its offerings in the Grocery vertical. In 2024, many of consumers’ favorite grocers joined the platform, including all Ahold Delhaize USA banners, Haggen, H Mart, La Michoacana, Rouses Markets, Save A Lot, Vallarta Supermarkets, all Wakefern Food Corp. banners, Wegmans, Fresh Encounter banners, and Stew Leonard’s.

The new partners announced today will be available on DashPass, DoorDash’s membership program that offers members $0 delivery fees, reduced service fees, and member-only benefits on eligible orders from thousands of restaurants, grocery, and convenience stores nationwide.*

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TASTE Announces Transition to Employee Owned

Published February 18, 2025

The TASTE Family of Businesses, a Coastal Virginia culinary institution, announced its transition to a 100% employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. This milestone secures TASTE’s legacy for generations to come while ensuring that the company remains deeply rooted in the community and dedicated to its employees and customers.

Roughly 6,000 of the 33 million companies in the United States are ESOPs, making TFOB’s transition a unique local business story. In the Coastal Virginia region, there are only around 30 ESOPs. The model, governed by federal ERISA and tax codes, provides eligible employees with a beneficial ownership stake at no cost. Research shows that ESOP companies consistently outperform in profitability, employee satisfaction, and business longevity, making this transition a strong investment in TASTE’s future.

“This is a transformative step for TASTE, ensuring that our employees—the heart of our success—benefit directly from the growth and value they help create,” said executive chairman, Jon Pruden. “Employee ownership aligns perfectly with our company culture and values of being hospitable, team players, and better every day.”

For employees, the ESOP represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build wealth and directly benefit from their hard work and dedication. The plan is entirely company-funded, with no contributions required from employees. Shares are allocated annually based on compensation, and employees vest fully after three years of service.

“This transition ensures that TASTE remains deeply rooted in our community, with decisions made by those who know and love it best—our employees,” said Pruden.

For loyal customers and catering clients, this transition makes TASTE stronger than ever. Employee ownership means that every team member is personally invested in making TASTE the best it can be—leading to an even higher level of service, quality, and care. With the same leadership team guiding us, we’re now even better positioned to enhance and innovate the guest experience while staying true to the high standards that have defined us for over 50 years. This move ensures that TASTE remains a thriving, locally owned company that will serve our community for generations to come.

Founded in 1973 by Peter Coe, TASTE has grown into a trusted name in Coastal Virginia’s culinary scene, known for its gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, and curated specialty products. Under stewardship of the Pruden family since 2006, the TASTE Family of Businesses has grown to include ten TASTE store locations, TASTE Catering & Events, Zinnia Café, the TASTE Bakehouse, and TASTE Online. With this ESOP transition, TFOB ensures its legacy of quality and community involvement while empowering employees to shape its future.

As TASTE moves forward as an employee-owned company, it remains dedicated to delivering the outstanding culinary experiences and exceptional hospitality that have defined the brand for over five decades.

The TASTE Family of Businesses manages a portfolio of food and beverage brands that have been pioneering specialty food and hospitality in Coastal Virginia since 1973. Through its ten restaurants, catering business, and food retail, the collective team of over 600 is united behind the TFOB mission to “Cultivate Community through the Good Life.”

For more information, visit www.tasteva.com.

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