Cerealto reports it has made a majority investment in Fresca Foods, a leading U.S. co-manufacturer of natural and organic snacks, marking an expansion into the U.S. market to strengthen both companies’ capabilities in high-growth snacking segments.

According to company representatives, the partnership will serve to:

• Establish a significant U.S. manufacturing presence in the snacking market, with North America expected to represent around 20% of future group revenues
• Enable immediate entry into the sizable, fast-growing, U.S. natural and organic snacking market, valued at $31.9 billion and projected to grow at 6.2% CAGR through 2033
• Open access to a broad U.S. customer base, accelerating distribution and market penetration
• Combine complementary product portfolios and strengthen category presence and expertise on both sides of the Atlantic
• Accelerate the scaling of manufacturing and innovation platforms, providing greater capability and support to a shared customer base
• Form a partnership led by Fresca Foods’ experienced U.S. leadership team, who will remain shareholders and continue to manage day-to-day operations

Colorado-based Fresca Foods co-manufactures for a number of U.S. and international brands, operating across five key categories:

• snack bars
• granola
• breakfast cereals
• crackers
• cookies

Fresca specializes in premium natural and organic products, innovation, quality standards, and long-term customer partnerships. According to representatives, Fresca Foods is now combining its innovation expertise and ability to help U.S. customers grow their businesses with Cerealto’s scale and experience across co-manufacturing and private label. With new investment and enhanced capabilities, the partnership is said to be positioned to accelerate innovation and unlock significant opportunities across both regions.

Cerealto will have a controlling stake in the partnership, while the Fresca Foods leadership team will retain a significant shareholding and continue to lead and manage day-to-day U.S. operations.

Bosco Fonts, Cerealto CEO, says, “Today’s announcement marks a defining step in our growth journey. Partnering with Fresca Foods’ leadership team gives us a strong foothold in the world’s largest snacking market, shifting our business from predominantly European to truly international. With around 20% of our sales set to come from the U.S. through this partnership, this is a transformative step for Cerealto. The US organic snacking category is already valued at around $32 billion and is projected to grow at more than 6% annually, so this is a huge opportunity to expand our footprint globally.” 

Todd Dutkin, Fresca Foods chairman, states, “We are thrilled to partner with Cerealto and continue leading our U.S. business as both shareholders and management. This collaboration brings fresh investment and enhanced capabilities, enabling us to accelerate innovation and deliver a complete range of snacking solutions to customers across the U.S., Europe, the U.K., and beyond.” 

Brandon Viar, Fresca Foods CEO, declares, “Together with Cerealto, we have the platform, expertise, and shared ambition to accelerate growth as the leading co-manufacturing and private label snacking partner. We are truly excited for this next chapter in Fresca’s journey and the opportunities it will unlock for our team members, customers, and community.”

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