Plant upgraded, acquisition closes and leadership changes at Lassonde

Lassonde Industries, a company focused on developing, manufacturing and selling fruit and vegetable juices and drinks as well as sauces, made moves to support its growth.

In Hendersonville, N.C., the company unveiled an enhanced beverage manufacturing facility in early August. The facility includes a new single-serve aseptic juice production line and a 104,000 ft² distribution center thanks to a $53 million investment.

“The expansion and improvements at the Hendersonville facility demonstrate Lassonde’s commitment to a growth strategy that builds long-term value by continuously seeking new ways we can meet customer needs, particularly in the U.S. market,” said Vince Timpano, president and COO of Lassonde Industries in a release.

Also in August, Lassonde Industries Inc. acquired Zidian Group through a U.S. subsidiary. Zidian Group operates Summer Garden Food Manufacturing, Boardman, Ohio, which develops, manufactures and markets premium sauces and condiments, including tomato and cream-based pasta sauces, BBQ sauces, dipping sauces and dressings. Its portfolio consists of approximately 250 products sold through more than 20,000 locations under the Gia Russa and Little Italy in the Bronx brands and under the G Hughes brand, a leader in the U.S. sugar-free BBQ sauce segment. Employing approximately 200 people, Summer Garden Summer Garden also acts as a co-packer for well-known brands. For the 12-month period ending in May 2024, Summer Garden generated sales of approximately $148 million and adjusted EBITDA of $27.9 million.

Finally, the company announced a phased leadership transition for its board of directors and certain members of its executive management team. Current chairman of the board Pierre-Paul Lassonde, who has helmed the company for 50 years, will begin sharing responsibilities by co-chairing the board with Nathalie Lassonde, beginning September 1. On January 1, 2025, Nathalie Lassonde will assume the executive chair of the board role while Pierre-Paul Lassonde will relinquish his role as chairman but remain on the board of directors. Vince Timpano, currently president and COO, will serve as CEO effective September 1.

“The time has come for me to pass the torch onto the next generation of leaders to carry out our organization’s vision and goals for the future. Nathalie embodies the values, integrity, respect and responsibility that have made Lassonde what it is today. She has gained an in-depth understanding of the business in her 20 years at Lassonde, both as a member of the board and in her role as CEO, that will help her guide the management team in the coming years. I am confident that she will leave her mark as an inspiring and inclusive leader,” Mr. Lassonde said.