Core Insights - Charcuterie Artisans has acquired La Quercia Cured Meats, gaining ownership of its production plant in Norwalk, Iowa, and its entire product portfolio [1][2] - The acquisition aims to expand Charcuterie Artisans' portfolio of premium domestic charcuterie and enhance production capacity while honoring traditional methods [2][5] - Charcuterie Artisans plans to modernize the Norwalk facility, increasing its production capacity by 50%, focusing exclusively on prosciutto [4] Company Overview - Charcuterie Artisans is the parent company of Creminelli Fine Meats and Daniele, operating 660,000 square feet of manufacturing space across multiple locations and employing over 700 people [4][5] - La Quercia, founded in 2005, specializes in artisan American cured meats, including prosciutto and pancetta, and is known for its antibiotic-free products [2][3] - The acquisition follows a significant investment from an Industrial Opportunity Partners-managed fund aimed at expanding capacity and driving innovation [5] Strategic Intent - The CEO of Charcuterie Artisans views La Quercia as a "natural fit," emphasizing the alignment of their dedication to craft and quality [5][6] - The company intends to retain La Quercia's employees and maintain collaboration with the Lynch family and Premium Iowa Pork [3]

Core Insights - Eshbal Functional Food has partnered with Queen St Gluten Free for the production of gluten-free products aimed at the North American market, starting with gluten-free pita bread [1][2] - The partnership allows Eshbal to leverage local sourcing advantages in Canada, enhancing cost efficiency and product quality [2][3] - Eshbal has been actively expanding its presence in North America, marking this agreement as its third transaction in six months [4][5] Group 1: Partnership and Production - Eshbal has contracted Queen St Gluten Free to produce gluten-free pita bread for the North American market, with plans to add more items from its best-selling range [1] - Queen St has successfully completed trial runs, with commercial production expected to begin in the first quarter of this year, pending final packaging approvals [2] - Eshbal will supply its own flour blend while sourcing other ingredients locally in Canada, benefiting from favorable sourcing conditions [2] Group 2: Strategic Expansion - Eshbal's decision to produce in Canada is driven by the availability of gluten-free ingredients, which provides cost and quality advantages [2] - The company has expanded into North America following a reverse takeover with Hakken Capital Corp, gaining a listing on the TSX Venture Exchange [4] - Recent acquisitions include a majority stake in Dare to Be Different Foods, enhancing distribution capabilities in Walmart and over 300 stores in the northeast US [5] Group 3: Product Portfolio - Eshbal's product offerings include gluten-free bakery items made from natural ingredients like teff and chia, as well as a range of vegan, low-carb, and sugar-free products [3] - The company owns the Barili brand for pita breads, buns, and cookies, and the Caragil line for flours and cake mixes [4] - Eshbal has also entered a deal with Active Marketing Group for nationwide sales and marketing support across its product portfolio [6]

US firm Charcuterie Artisans has been acquired by an investment fund managed by Industrial Opportunity Partners. In a statement, Charcuterie Artisans, the parent company of Creminelli Fine Meats and Daniele, said IOP is making a “significant new investment” into the business. The financial terms of deal and investment were not disclosed. In the statement, the company said the investment would be used to “expand capacity, strengthen customer partnerships, and drive innovation”. Charcuterie Artisans mark ...