Innovation Foods to expand following Cumberland Dairy split

07-Nov-2017 - Last updated on 07-Nov-2017 at 11:55 GMT

GoodBelly probiotic drink. Picture: GoodBelly.

Innovation Foods juice and beverage manufacturer has parted ways with its sister company Cumberland Dairy with plans to expand its portfolio next year.

Cumberland Dairy, a family-led processor of ultra-pasteurized dairy products, was recently acquired by Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) of Kansas City, US.

GoodBelly brand

Innovation Foods was not included in the transaction and will remain wholly owned by founders Carmine IV, Frank, and David Catalana.

All employees will remain at the facility in Bridgeton, New Jersey.

“Now more than ever we are poised to take this next step as an independent business,” said Rachel Bur, operations manager, Innovation Foods.

“The Catalana family has a long vision for Innovation Foods. One that includes a decisive plan to grow with our partner NextFoods and to further our other co-packing opportunities.”

Established in 2008, Innovation Foods formed a partnership with NextFoods in Boulder, Colorado, under its GoodBelly Probiotics brand.

“We are very excited to begin this next chapter with Innovation Foods and the Catalana family,” said Todd Beckman, co-founder/COO, NextFoods.

“This has been a true partnership from the beginning and the Catalana family has been an integral part of the success of the GoodBelly brand.

“We look forward to our continued work together with some exciting new products in 2018 and beyond.”

Infused Beverages

Innovation Foods manufacturers probiotic juice drinks and Infused Beverages for NextFoods as well as other beverages, and base flavors for private label customers.

Earlier this year-GoodBelly launched a line of Infused Beverages with 20 billion probiotics and 5 grams of sugar.

Capabilities include HTST (High Temperature/Short Time) and Vat pasteurization for a variety of products including juices, teas, and flavored waters in gable top, bag in box, and PET packaging.

Cumberland Dairy produces ultra-pasteurized milks, creams, frozen dessert mixes, non-dairy creamers, and other refrigerated, fluid products. Customers include the quick-service restaurant industry, retail chains, wholesale food distributors, and other independent dairies.

Speaking of the acquisition, Rick Smith, president/CEO, DFA, said the deal represents ‘a commitment by our farmer-owners to expand our investments in processing and to continue to grow the US dairy industry’.

"The Catalanas' values and passion for the industry align closely with those of our cooperative, and we believe this is a tremendous opportunity to expand upon the foundation of quality products and superior service already in place at Cumberland Dairy,” said Smith.

DFA plans to increase its commercial investments and ownership in extended shelf-life processing.

Cumberland Dairy will retain its name, and the family and existing management will continue to conduct operations, including milk procurement and production.

"A future with DFA means we can continue to focus on our values as a company while accelerating our opportunities for growth," added Carmine Catalana IV.