GREENWICH, CONN. – Brynwood Partners VII L.P., doing business as Harvest Hill Beverage, has acquired the American Beverage Co. for $55 million.
American Beverage manufactures fruit drinks, ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic cocktail mixers. The company’s brands include Little Hug Fruit Barrels, Big Hug and Guzzler. The company is based in Rye Brook, N.Y., and manufactures its products from two plants in Verona, Pa., Phoenix, Ariz.
“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of American Beverage Company,” said Henk Hartong, chairman and chief executive officer of Brynwood Partners and chairman of Harvest Hill. “The Little Hug brand provides Harvest Hill with an entry into the sizeable juice drink category. The addition of Little Hug to our retail juice portfolio enables Harvest Hill to participate in all segments of the juice aisle, strengthening our position with our retail partners. We are also excited about the company's Verona, Pa., and Phoenix, Ariz., manufacturing facilities as they will provide Harvest Hill with additional production flexibility.”
Harvest Hill was formed when Brynwood Partners acquired the Juicy Juice brand from Nestle USA. Juicy Juice is a maker of reduced-sugar beverages for children. The two primary products of the business are the Juicy Juice brand and Fruitfuls.
