    2001 Second Quarter |
|
Heinz Acquires Premium Frozen Dessert Manufacturer |
 Heinz Foodservice has acquired Alden Merrell Corporation, a manufacturer of high-quality, premium-priced frozen desserts for casual dining restaurants and foodservice distributors. Alden Merrell also sells and markets to deli and bakery sections of supermarkets in parts of the East Coast. The acquisition will allow Heinz to expand business and growth potential within its existing casual dining customer base, as well as to reach new markets. "Bringing Alden Merrell into our foodservice business will help us to continue our growth in this rapidly expanding away-from-home business," noted Heinz Chairman, President and CEO William R. Johnson. "Supplying fine dessert products to customers with whom we currently do business will open new markets and provide exciting new opportunities for growth." Alden Merrell, based in Newburyport, Massachusetts was founded in 1976 by its current owners/shareholders. Its net sales this year will approach approximately $30 million. A leading custom developer and producer of high-quality frozen desserts, Alden Merrell's product line is comprised of pies, bars, single-serve portions, sheet trays, layer cakes, coffee cakes and cheesecakes. |
 |