Golden State Foods / KanPak U.S. Acquires Emmi Penn Yan Factory

Agreement gives GSF/KanPak control of state-of-the-art production plant for aseptic dairy products

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Dec 19, 2014, 02:48 ET

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Golden State Foods (GSF)-owned KanPak U.S., a leading supplier of specialty beverages and desserts, announced today that it has finalized the acquisition of the Emmi Penn Yan Factory, a production facility for aseptic dairy products in Penn Yan, N.Y. KanPak U.S. is a joint venture partnership with Golden State Foods, one of the largest suppliers to the quick service restaurant (QSR) and retail industries. GSF services more than 125,000 restaurants in 60 countries from five continents. Its core businesses include processing of liquid products, dairy, produce, meat, and full-line distribution services.

"We're pleased about this agreement with Emmi, which will enable GSF and KanPak to further diversify our U.S. customers," said Larry McGill, GSF Corporate Vice President and President and Chief Executive Officer, KanPak U.S. "It was a great solution for both parties as we have the ability to expand production and drive growth, allowing Emmi to dedicate more resources to its specialty cheese business in the U.S."

KanPak U.S., headquartered in Arkansas City, Kan., was acquired by Golden State Foods in October, 2013 and produces a variety of dairy-based products such as smoothies, ice cream, milk shake base, packaged milk, coffees, creamers, frozen desserts, and specialty beverages. Dennis Cohlmia currently serves as Chairman of the Board of KanPak U.S. and previously served with his father, George Cohlmia, who originally founded KanPak in 1965.

"We appreciate all that Dennis has done to establish and grow this long-term, family-run business over the past four decades and we look forward to continued growth through this new joint venture partnership," added McGill.

About Golden State Foods
Golden State Foods (www.goldenstatefoods.com) is one of the world's largest diversified suppliers to the quick service restaurant industry. Established in 1947, the $6.6 billion company is values-based with proven performance in superior quality, innovation and customer service throughout the QSR industry. With approximately 5,000 employees worldwide, GSF services more than 100 customers on five continents from its 45 facilities. Its core businesses include processing of liquid products, dairy, produce, meat, and full-line distribution to the food industry. The company also runs a national non-profit organization, the GSF Foundation for kids.

About KanPak U.S.
KanPak LLC (www.kanpak.us) is the industry leader in aseptically packaged coffee, dairy and specialty beverages and desserts. Based in Wichita, Kan., the company has plants located in Arkansas City, Kan., Queretaro, Mexico, and Xiantao, Hubei, China, as well as offices and distribution centers in Toronto, Ont., Mexico City, Mexico, and Shanghai, China. KanPak's dispensing equipment business and facility are located in Southbury, Conn.

About Emmi
Emmi is the largest Swiss milk processor and one of the most innovative premium dairies in Europe. In Switzerland, the company focuses on the development, production and marketing of a full range of dairy and fresh products as well as the production, ageing and trade of primarily Swiss cheeses. Outside Switzerland, Emmi concentrates on brand concepts and specialties in established European and North American markets, and increasingly in emerging markets. The primary focus in fresh products is on lifestyle, convenience and health products. In the cheese business, Emmi positions itself as the leading company worldwide for cheeses from Switzerland. Emmi's customers are the retail trade, the convenience and food service sector and the food industry. In 2013, Emmi posted net sales of CHF 3,298 million and a net profit adjusted for one-time effects of CHF 98 million. In the first half of 2014, the company achieved net sales of CHF 1,625 million and net profit (adjusted) of CHF 45 million. As of June 30, 2014, the company employed around 5,200 people (full-time equivalents) in Switzerland and abroad.