On-Cor
  • Company Name: On-Cor Frozen Foods, LLC
  • HQs: Aurora, Ill.
  • Est.: 1946
  • Distribution: Nationwide
  • Products: Frozen multi-serve entrées, frozen, fully-cooked protein products
  • No. of Employees: 600
  • Brands: On-Cor

When On-Cor Frozen Foods, LLC was founded in 1946, its mission was simple—offer quality food that everyone loves. 

Today, the Aurora, Ill.-based company offers a variety of frozen multi-serve entrées and frozen, fully-cooked protein products to retail grocers nationwide.

“Here at On-Cor, we have always remained true to our values, even in times of growth,” says Dave Wetherton, vice president of retail sales. “We certainly know our target consumer and respect the busy mom who takes pride in the meals she makes for her family.”

In 2012, On-Cor opened a new production plant in Geneva, Ill., designed to produce On-Cor brand frozen entrées, among other private label brands. The 80,000-square-foot facility is attached to a warehouse and distribution center owned by a separate company.

Meanwhile, On-Cor placed No. 23 in Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ Top 25 frozen meals/entrées report (March 2017 issue), and ranked No. 6 in IRI’s Top 10 vendors of frozen multi-serve dinners/entrées, as reported in Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ 2017 State of the Industry report (July 2017 issue).

But, it’s the company’s more recent brand refresh that makes it a Processor to Watch. 

“On-Cor has enhanced our products and redesigned the packaging to appeal to the always-evolving consumer,” adds Wetherton. “Tried-and-true entrées have advanced to better satisfy the needs of moms looking for convenient quality dinner solutions for their families. We have increased the protein in several of our entrées by 20-25%, and are using 100% real cheese in the Macaroni & Cheese entrée and real mozzarella cheese in the Lasagna with Meat Sauce entrée. In addition, all entrées have no monosodium glutamate added.”

On-Cor also constantly works to stay relevant and on-trend with its consumers.

The packaging design includes new food photography, key nutritional information, serving suggestion tips on the back panel and a revitalized website with a product locator to help consumers find their favorite On-Cor products at a retailer in their area. 

“What separates On-Cor from our competitors is the quality paired with our price point. We make our own fresh sauces and gravies, in addition to fresh pasta. No partially hydrogenated oils or MSG are added to any item, and most products have 0 g trans-fat per serving,” says Wetherton. “We know the importance of great food at a great value. Life is demanding enough, and we know dinner shouldn’t be. That’s why there’s On-Cor.”