MEMPHIS, TENN. — Monogram Foods Solutions, L.L.C. has acquired Wilmington, Mass.-based Progressive Gourmet, a producer of specialty small bites, baked foods, hors d’oeuvres and entrees. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“We will merge our Progressive Gourmet purchase with Monogram’s other frozen appetizer businesses based in Plover, Wis., creating a comprehensively staffed division of 800 talented team members,” said Karl Schledwitz, chairman and chief executive officer of Monogram. “With our strong and talented management support team, we will continue to optimize our customer-centric business with food processing best practices while implementing advanced capabilities to lead in the delivery of delicious products.”
The Progressive Gourmet web site states the company operates a 63,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Wilmington. The company produces appetizers under the Goodwives, Original Rangoon Co. and The Caterer’s Choice brands.
“We are already under way expanding the U.S.D.A., F.D.A. and B.R.C. certified facilities in Wilmington, Mass., and we are immediately looking to add 100 to 150 team members,” said Wes Jackson, president of Monogram. “Additional facility expansions are planned throughout the rest of 2016 in order to meet the demand of a robust list of customers such as US Foods, Marriott, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Wegman’s, Hannaford and Kroger for our Monogram Gourmet Foods division.”
The acquisition raises Monogram Foods’ processing capacity to eight manufacturing plants in seven states. Monogram ranked No. 66 inMeat + Poultry’s Top 100 ranking of meat and poultry processors, reporting annual sales of $400 million and employing 2,500 workers. The acquisition reportedly will increase Monogram’s revenues to more than $600 million in 2016. Monogram Foods is a leading co-packer, private label maker and manufacturer of beef jerky, corn dogs, pre-cooked bacon and other value-added meat products.