Gourmet News

Imperial Dade Acquires Arizona’s Excell Direct

Published July 29, 2024

Imperial Dade, a leading North American distributor of foodservice packaging supplies, industrial products, and janitorial supplies, has acquired Excell Direct, LLC. The transaction represents the 91st acquisition for Imperial Dade under the leadership of Robert and Jason Tillis, chairman and CEO of Imperial Dade, respectively. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

Founded by Stewart and Crystal Leary, their tireless work ethic and customer first approach has helped Excell become a premier distributor of foodservice and janitorial products in Arizona. The company commands an exceptional reputation in the market and operates with the same hyper focus on customer service as it had when it was founded. By leveraging Imperial Dade’s market leading platform, Excell’s customers can expect the same exceptional customized service coupled with an even diversified offering of products and solutions.

“I enthusiastically welcome Stewart, Crystal and the entire Excell family to Imperial Dade. This is a perfect fit without our growing organization and we are excited for this next chapter of profitable growth,” said Robert Tillis. “Imperial Dade continues to expand its presence in Arizona, and we are looking forward to continuing together in our mission to organically grow and provide unmatched customer service across North America,” said Jason Tillis.

“On behalf of Excell Direct, we are thrilled to be part of Imperial Dade. They share the same relentless focus on delivering the best service and product offering to the customer. We look forward to the next chapter together and strengthening our vendor relationships,” said Stewart Leary, CEO & president of Excell Direct.

Founded in 1935, Imperial Dade serves more than 120,000 customers across North America. Since Chairman Robert Tillis and CEO Jason Tillis assumed their roles in 2007, the company has grown both organically and through acquisitions to become a leader in the foodservice, packaging and janitorial supplies industry. For additional information, visit www.imperialdade.com.

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Southern Glazer’s to Acquire Horizon Beverage Group

Published July 29, 2024

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits — the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol— plans to acquire Horizon Beverage Group, Inc., one of New England’s premier alcohol distributors. The deal includes all of Horizon’s operations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as their wine, spirits, and beer portfolio, and makes these two states the 46^th and 47^th markets in Southern Glazer’s U.S. footprint, in addition to Canada and the Caribbean.

Upon completion of the acquisition, the business will operate under the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Massachusetts and of Rhode Island names, respectively. The current Horizon leadership teams in both states will continue leading operations in those markets and will work closely with Southern Glazer’s East Region President Scott Oppenheimer. All of Horizon’s family members and leadership team, including Co-Chairmen Bob Epstein and Jim Rubenstein, will also continue in their current roles to help ensure a smooth transition for all employees, suppliers, and customers.

“The Epstein and Rubenstein families have spent four generations building an exceptional business and legacy in New England that we have admired for years,” said Wayne E. Chaplin, chief executive officer, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “Horizon’s dedication to innovation and operational excellence, along with commitments to social responsibility, environmental sustainability, corporate citizenship, and diversity, create an ideal match for Southern Glazer’s business and culture. We expect all existing and new supplier partners, as well as customers, to benefit from our two companies’ strengths and expertise, and look forward to building on the great foundation already established in the valuable Massachusetts and Rhode Island markets.”

Formed in 1933, Horizon has grown to be one of the largest beverage alcohol distributors in New England, with long-standing supplier relationships with some of the world’s top beer, wine and spirits brands. The company currently employs more than 600 people, operates 800,000 square feet of warehouse space and has a fleet of nearly 100 delivery vehicles.

Added Epstein, “We have full confidence in a seamless transition for all of Horizon’s valued team members and partners. I have enjoyed a more than 50-year relationship with the Chaplin family. Southern Glazer’s is the ideal partner with the size, scale and strength to support our employees well into the future, and to maintain our promise of high-quality service for customers and suppliers in New England.”

“Horizon’s trading partners will gain access to Southern Glazer’s world-class commercial, supply chain, digital, and data insights capabilities,” said Rubenstein. “In addition, joining the broader Southern Glazer’s family provides our talented and passionate employees even greater skill development and career growth opportunities. I trust this next step in our journey will be incredibly positive for all parties.”

The deal is expected to close upon regulatory approval.

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, building brands for moments that matter. The multi-generational, family-owned company has operations in 44 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, as well as brokerage operations through its WEBB Banks division in the Caribbean, Central and South America. In 2024, Southern Glazer’s was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @sgwinespirits.

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Meati Hires Bortells as COO, Adds O’Grady to Board

Published July 29, 2024

Meati, maker of mycelium superfood cutlets and steaks sold nationwide, has added two leaders who will help Meati reach its vision to bring one of the healthiest foods on the planet to kitchen tables all around the world.

The new additions include John Bortells, chief commercial officer, and Becky O’Grady, board member. Both bring a passion for Meati’s mission and deep practical expertise scaling brands to national success.

As CCO, Bortells will be focused on driving revenue and expanding Meati’s market. He will oversee sales, marketing and customer experience.

Bortells has worked with brands at all stages of growth – from emerging brands including a2 Milk and Clover Sonoma, to mid-size brands like Mighty Leaf Tea to billion dollar, household names including PepsiCo. His areas of experience are also widely varied from retail, to food service, quick serve restaurants, distributor channels, broker and franchise management, joint ventures, manufacturing and co-manufacturing environments, private equity businesses and family and founder-owned companies.

“John is a fantastic addition to Meati and the mycelium category overall. He’s a demand generation savant with extensive experience,” said Phil Graves, CEO of Meati. “What impressed us most about John is his track record of scaling ambitious, mission-driven brands to national prominence. When many doubted dairy due to lactose allergies, John and his team successfully introduced a2 milk as a safe and enjoyable option. His deep understanding of food, nature and innovation in culinary experiences is unparalleled.”

“I’ve been inspired by the benefits of mycelium ever since I read the book ‘Entangled Life,’ by Merlin Sheldrake,” said Bortells. “The way I see it, there are two missions with Meati and mycelium more broadly: the first is to offer the best tasting food with the best nutrient profile, to as many people as possible. The second is to help heal the earth along the way. My job is to show people what’s possible here.”

O’Grady joins as the newest director on Meati’s board. O’Grady has a long history of working in the highly competitive consumer packaged goods industry, having spent the bulk of her career at General Mills.

She has over 25 years of experience across emerging and developed markets. She has led global brands, teams and P&L’s, and guided their expansion through retail channels including restaurants and joint venture partnerships. She is also a board member for Tropicale Foods, La-Z-Boy Incorporated, Ripple Foods and HALO Branded Solutions.

“I’ve worked with CPG brands for my entire career, and based on my experience, I can definitively say that there’s a lot of promise in Meati. There’s no reason it can’t become a nationally-recognized, household name,” said O’Grady. “I’m excited to be a part of that journey.”

Meati was founded in 2017 in Boulder, Colo., with the vision of bringing mycelium, one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods on the planet, to kitchen tables all over the world.

Made with only a handful of ingredients, Meati’s cutlets and steaks are 95 percent mycelium. They are high in protein, fiber, and minerals, and low in carbohydrates, fats and cholesterol.

Created using a natural fermentation process with no heavy metals, pesticides or antibiotics, the whole foods don’t include any chemicals or preservatives that you can’t pronounce; they’re also free of the top nine most common allergens.

Beloved by vegetarians and meat eaters alike, Meati is sold in 7,000 stores nationwide, including the Kroger family of stores, Albertsons and Safeway stores, Super Target, Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Meijer, Fresh Thyme, Natural Grocers, Wegmans and more.

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