Golden State Foods, Irvine, Calif., acquired majority ownership of Groenz Group Ltd., a manufacturer of sauces, dressings, condiments and powders for the quick-Golden State Foodsservice restaurant and foodservice industries in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

“This opportunity with Groenz is a continuation of our strategy to support our customers in their local markets,” says Mark Wetterau, chairman and CEO of Golden State Foods. “Groenz brings a tremendous reputation for service and product innovation, which will greatly enhance our product offerings and service to our customers, and we look forward to working with them.”

Groenz produces French Maid, Kiwi Style and In-House Systems brands sold through its foodservice channel. Groenz offers a large selection of condiments ranging from mustards and gravies to marinades and Hollandaise sauce in a large array of pack sizes. The facilities include a multi-faceted location, which houses manufacturing, new product development and test kitchen, sales, marketing and administration offices along with a separate warehouse.

“The Groen family is very happy to have forged this partnership with Golden State Foods. From very small beginnings in the 1970s, the company has grown to a point where we needed a substantial trade partner to further expand, and we found that partner with GSF,” says Fred Groen, managing director. “Not only did the business synergies line up but the social and moral ones as well.”