US fresh produce giant Dole has announced that it has moved to acquire Mrs. May's Naturals, a company specialising in wholesome, healthy snacks with 2011 revenues of approximately US$16m.
The acquisition will see Mrs. May's Naturals become part of Dole Packaged Foods, and will help accelerate the development of Dole's all-natural offerings in the health and nutrition space.
'Mrs. May's Naturals is a recognised name with proven results at major retailers,' said David DeLorenzo, president and CEO at Dole Food Company. 'Their all-natural snacks, which include vegan, gluten-free and kosher options, fit perfectly with the Dole 'Nutrition Plus' product line which is designed to improve health and wellness through diet.'
All Mrs. May's products will continue to be packaged under the Mrs. May's label and carried in their existing retailers, with Dole seeing the retention of the independent brand label as an opportunity for growth, while also investigating further co-branding opportunities and product development.
