Golden State Foods Acquires KanPak China In Joint Venture

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Nov 06, 2012, 05:33 ET

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Golden State Foods (GSF), one of the largest diversified food processors and distributors in the U.S., announced today that it acquired KanPak China, a manufacturer to the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry, located in Xiantao City (Hubei Province). The company is now the 51 percent majority owner of KanPak China.

"We are thrilled about our partnership with KanPak, a very professional company with a solid team in China," said Mark Wetterau, chairman and CEO of Golden State Foods. "This acquisition is part of our company's strategy to meet the needs of fast-growing international markets. We are especially looking forward to building our local manufacturing capabilities in China to serve our customers in that region. KanPak has an excellent facility there, providing opportunities to produce a full-range of products."

Initially, GSF plans to produce portion control liquid products such as ketchup, sauces, dressings and syrups for customers in the QSR industry, beginning in 2013. The company is currently one of the largest producers of portion control liquid products in the U.S. It also produces meat products, produce, bakery and bulk- packaged liquid products and provides full-line distribution services to the industry.

KanPak currently produces a variety of dairy-based products such as smoothies, ice cream, coffees, creamers, frozen desserts and specialty beverages for the QSR and retail industries. Wetterau says that the partnership will be "complementary," enabling both companies to "round out" their offerings.

"KanPak is excited to have partnered with Golden State Foods, a leader in diversified food supply and distribution to the QSR industry," said KanPak's Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Cohlmia. "Through our partnership with GSF, we have many reasons to believe in a bright and productive future, including our joint commitments to customer satisfaction through product solutions that leverage our core competencies. This includes GSF's leadership and expertise in liquid products portion pack and high volume runs and KanPak's versatile aseptic capabilities. We believe that together, we will help our customers succeed in achieving their goals by providing multi-national and Chinese domestic foodservice operators ongoing product solutions."

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 $5 billion company is a value-based company with proven performance in superior quality, innovation and customer service throughout the QSR industry. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, GSF services more than 50 customers on six continents from its 33 facilities. Its core businesses include processing of liquid products, meat, produce, bakery and other services as well as full-line distribution to the quick service restaurant industry. The company also runs a national non-profit organization, the GSF Foundation for kids.

About KanPak LLC

KanPak LLC (www.kan-pak.com) is the industry leader in aseptically packaged coffee, dairy and fruit 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 is located in Southbury, Conn.