TORONTO, Canada
Associated Brands a leading North American supplier of private-label and co-manufactured packaged foods and beverage products this week completed a merger with North American Tea & Coffee Inc. ("NATC"), a Vancouver-based manufacturer of specialty tea and dry mix products.
In January Associated Brands acquired Soluble Products. The expansion broadens and strengthens Associated Brands Private Label business, adding a portfolio of leading market positions and capabilities including ready to serve oatmeal and the fast-growing market for specialty teas.
"The merger with NATC further strengthens our position as a partner of choice, both within the private label industry as well as the growing co-manufacturing sector," said CEO Scott Greenwood. "As the largest independent specialty tea manufacturer, NATC leverages Associated Brands into a very relevant category which is being driven by a younger demographic and their orientation to health and wellness".
"We are looking forward to working with Scott and his team to capitalize on the respective strengths of the two companies in order to benefit our current and prospective customers," commented Riyaz Devji, Managing Director for NATC.
Associated Brands has two manufacturing and R&D facilities serving customers in Canada, the U.S., the Caribbean and Mexico. In addition to its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Medina, New York, the merger will add manufacturing facilities in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada.
The combined company, operating under the name Associated Brands, will offer products which are BRC and Kosher Certified by OU and BCK, and Organic Certified by QAI, SQF level III and NHP. For more information about Associated Brands see www.associatedbrands.com.
NATC was founded in 1977 and makes teas for some of the largest retail and food service companies in North America.
SOURCE: Associated Brands