Cono Italiano, Inc., Red Bank, N.J., said it purchased equipment to process its Pizza Cono product, a unique cone-shaped frozen pizza for QSR, take-out and leisure foodservice operations. Officials say the their own manufacturing will help expand the frozen food line throughout 2011.

"We are pleased to have been afforded this opportunity to achieve the goals of the company and expand on our business; we anticipate our line of unique frozen food will complement our existing product 'Pizza Cono' and will bring significant revenues to Cono Italiano, Inc. in 2011," said Mitchell Brown CEO. "Pizza Cono has been well received by the public and we believe our new line of frozen foods will endure the same success."

Separately, Cono Italiano, Inc. said it will soon offer the Pizza Cono as a microwavable product, in addition to its existing variations. Cono Italiano, Inc. andRJM Foods, a food distributor for Cono Italiano, Inc., also announced that they will import product to sell in the U.S. to convenience stores and supermarkets.



Gyros and Mediterranean foods processorKronos Foods, Inc., Glendale Heights, Ill., said it bought the commercial (fresh) baking assets ofPita King Bakery, Everett, Wash.

"Pita King's products add to the unique bread offerings Kronos provides restaurateurs nationally," said Mike Austin, Kronos CEO.  "As one of the nation's largest Mediterranean food companies, we are continually expanding our product line with innovative, great-tasting products that are responsive to the needs of our customers.  We believe Pita King's specialty breads will be very attractive to our chain, specialty, grocery, and independent restaurant accounts."

Pita King produces authentic Middle Eastern pocket breads in a variety of sizes and formulations, including white and whole wheat. Kronos said Pita King offerings are versatile for foodservice operators to fill or wrap with protein and vegetables or as breads for dips, including hummus. 

Officials said Pita King's operations will be moved to Kronos' manufacturing facility in Madera, Calif.


"This is the perfect sandwich bread because of its incredible versatility," said Howard Eirinberg, Kronos Foods Corp.'s president and head of new product development.  "Its ease of use will allow chain restaurants and independents to expand their menus without heating up a grill and warming the bread.  The unique bread is especially great for chain drive-thru usage because ingredients are contained within the product's pocket and are less likely to spill in the car."

Officials said the Pita King acquisition marks Kronos' entry into flatbread production in its California bakery, known for its fillo-baked specialties.  Kronos, which also produces breads out of its Glendale Heights, Ill., headquarters, anticipates expanding its flatbread product line in coming years.