ATLANTA — Diaz Foods, a specialty foods distributor, has acquired the Frutel drinkable yogurt brand from the Origin Food Group, Statesville, N.C. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“The Frutel brand represents an opportunity for Diaz Foods to further expand its portfolio of products for our customers,” said Eric Newberg, chief financial officer of Diaz Foods. “This 100% yogurt drink is a high quality product with significant opportunity to expand beyond its North Carolina foot print.”
The Frutel product line features drinkable yogurts made with such fruits as strawberries, bananas, peaches, mangos and guanabana. The beverages also may be considered functional as they feature 9 grams of whey protein per 7-oz serving and 40% of the daily recommended amount of calcium.
“Since the perceived market leaders are shifting to a world of smoothies and creating a void in the real drinkable yogurt space, we saw an opportunity in Frutel,” said Antonio Casas, vice-president of marketing for Diaz Foods. “While others continue to sell ‘smoothie-style yogurt mixes,’ we are marketing a drinkable yogurt made with real milk and fruit. Frutel is exactly that, a real drinkable yogurt that is a meal replacement, an energy booster and nutritious drink all in one.”
Founded in 1980, Diaz Foods manufactures and markets such brands as D’Sabor, Lacena Fine Foods, Tomacado, Cozumel and others.
