M&A

California-based FreshRealm announced this morning it had acquired the U.S. operational assets and supply chain infrastructure of global meal kit provider Marley Spoon for $24 million.

Aiming to put a troubled period behind it, meal kit maker Blue Apron is embracing a leaner business model in 2024 that prioritizes flexibility and accelerates innovation targeted at consumers’ growing interest in convenient, clean label offerings.

Financial advisory firm Solomon Partners reported its expectations for M&A activity in food and beverage this year with a slow escalation in acquisitions as inflation recedes and the Fed lowers interest rates.

Weaver Holdings, the largest manufacturer of popcorn in the U.S., was acquired by AUA Private Equity Partners for an undisclosed amount. The PE firm has a history of acquiring food manufacturers and aims to inject “efficiency” into the fourth-generation, family-owned business.

Rainforest Distribution Corp. has acquired New England natural and specialty foods distributor Associated Buyers, the companies announced this week. According to a press release, the companies will take roughly two months to transition the Associated Buyers’ network into the Rainforest system.

Danone has found a buyer for its premium dairy brands Horizon Organic and Wallaby, announcing today it has agreed to sell the businesses to investment firm Platinum Equity.

Hong Kong-based DDC Enterprise, which operates the DayDayCook brand, announced today it has acquired Thai American foods brand Yai’s Thai for an undisclosed sum, further expanding its presence in the U.S. market.

Chobani has paid $900 million to acquire coffee roaster and retailer La Colombe, the company announced today, a move that sees Keurig Dr Pepper, a minority investor in La Colombe, become an equity stakeholder in the yogurt and dairy company.

Three months after its acquisition of Argo Tea, The Planting Hope Company has spun off the asset as its own subsidiary.

Ahold Delhaize is offloading its online New York City grocery delivery business FreshDirect to Turkish startup Getir, the company announced this morning.