Allens, Inc. plans to strategically reposition its brand for growth by selling four of its six frozen vegetable operations to The Bonduelle Group.


Allens, Inc., a Siloam Springs, Ark.-based vegetable producer, plans to strategically reposition its brand for growth by selling four of its six frozen vegetable operations to The Bonduelle Group, a French producer of prepared vegetables (canned, frozen, dehydrated, bagged salads in sachets and delicatessen products). The purchase includes theChill Ripebrand and the frozenGarden Classicsbrand, as well as a license to use certain brand names owned by Allens in the frozen business for a limited transitional period.  

The transaction, which is anticipated to close in late March, is structured as an asset purchase and concerns operations and approximately 400 permanent employees of plants in Bergen, N.Y.; Oakfield, N.Y.; Brockport, N.Y.; and Fairwater, Wis. Allens will continue to own and operate its two Montezuma, Ga., facilities following the transaction.  

"We're excited to put a renewed focus on the core of our business and the market segments we are most passionate about," says Rick Allen, president and CEO of Allens. "With this renewed concentration, we anticipate greater growth, more innovation and even better customer service and product quality. We're excited about what this will mean to the marketplace and to our customers and partners, overall."