Omstead Foods to Sell Appetizer Business Unit to Cavendish Farms

Cavendish Farms, a member of the Irving Group of Companies, has acquired the Omstead Appetizer brands, processing equipment and will continue to operate out of the former Omstead plant in Wheatley, Ontario.

29 Jul 2009 Omstead Foods Limited announced that Cavendish Farms, one of North America's leading processors of frozen potato products, has purchased the Appetizer division of Omstead Foods.

In a transaction that closed, Cavendish Farms, a member of the Irving Group of Companies, has acquired the Omstead Appetizer brands, processing equipment and will continue to operate out of the former Omstead plant in Wheatley, Ontario.

In announcing the sale, Bill Stafford, President of Omstead Foods said, "The Irving Group of Companies has been providing quality products and services for 127 years. Omstead, similar in historical tradition, has been in business for 98 years. I am excited about what this acquisition by Cavendish Farms means for Omstead's longstanding coated appetizer customers in terms of expanded product scope and offerings to support their businesses. I am equally excited for the valued employees of our coated operation and what the prospects are for the business prospectively in Wheatley, Ontario."

Omstead's national fruit processing & packaging operations, including its operations in Western Canada (Snowcrest Packers), are not affected by today's announcement.

"We will now focus our efforts on the continued development of our national fruit business. The frozen fruit category is experiencing tremendous growth in both the retail and food service channels and as a national leader in the category, Omstead is well positioned to benefit." stated Bill Stafford, President of Omstead Foods.