Manitowoc, WI (November 26, 2024) – Lakeside Foods, a leading producer in the Frozen Foods sector, has announced its acquisition of Smith Frozen Foods, an Oregon-based company renowned for its high-quality frozen vegetable production. The deal, set to finalize early next week, marks a significant expansion for Lakeside Foods in the competitive frozen foods market.
The acquisition includes Smith Frozen Foods’ production facility in Weston, Oregon, and Garrett Packing/Brittany Farms operations in Milton-Freewater, Oregon. Lakeside Foods will continue operations at these facilities, ensuring the ongoing production of premium frozen vegetables. This strategic move significantly boosts Lakeside Foods’ presence and capabilities in the frozen foods industry, particularly in the Western United States.
“Smith Frozen Foods has earned a stellar reputation within the frozen foods industry, recognized for its long-standing commitment to superior vegetable growing and processing, product excellence, and exceptional customer service,” stated Joe Yanda, President and CEO of Lakeside Foods. “We are thrilled to expand our frozen vegetable business and enhance our service capabilities for our valued retail, foodservice, and industrial clients nationwide, especially those with a substantial presence on the West Coast.”
This acquisition is poised to increase Lakeside Foods’ market share in frozen vegetables and broaden its product offerings within the frozen foods category. Smith’s operations bring valuable assets to Lakeside, including considerable frozen storage capacity and advanced production technologies that complement Lakeside Foods’ existing infrastructure. These added capabilities will allow Lakeside Foods to offer an even wider range of frozen food solutions to meet diverse customer needs.
Gordon Smith, owner and Chairman of the Board of Smith Frozen Foods, expressed optimism about the acquisition. “We are delighted to have found an excellent buyer in Lakeside Foods,” Smith said. “Like us, Lakeside Foods is a family-owned company with a strong heritage and a proven track record in vegetable production. I am confident they will continue to grow and invest in the business that my grandfather established 105 years ago.”
To ensure a seamless transition, Gary Crowder, President and CFO of Smith Frozen Foods, will remain with Lakeside Foods. The integration process is already underway, with customers being informed about the positive impacts of this transition. Lakeside Foods is also committed to retaining a significant portion of Smith’s workforce, recognizing their expertise in frozen food processing and operations.
In a parallel strategic decision, Lakeside Foods has announced the closure of its Manitowoc, WI, production facility on Jay Street. “This was a difficult but necessary decision to support our long-term strategic growth plan,” explained Yanda. “Our management team is dedicated to supporting affected employees by identifying opportunities within our other Lakeside Foods locations. Manitowoc remains our home and corporate headquarters, and we maintain a strong presence with four other production, warehouse, and office facilities in the area.” This consolidation allows Lakeside Foods to strategically reinvest resources into expanding its frozen foods division through acquisitions like Smith Frozen Foods.
About Lakeside Foods, Inc.
Lakeside Foods is a leading North American supplier specializing in high-quality frozen and canned foods for retail, foodservice, and industrial sectors. Established in 1887, Lakeside Foods has grown from a small pea-canning operation to a company operating 14 production facilities. Their extensive product range includes frozen vegetables, canned vegetables, canned meat, smoked sausage and hot dogs, canned dry beans, frozen desserts, appetizers, and canned pet food, distributed across 14 countries. Lakeside Foods prides itself on its farm-to-table approach, managing vegetable growing and harvesting through a network of regional farmers to ensure consistent quality and freshness. The company remains family-owned and is headquartered in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
About Smith Frozen Foods
Smith Frozen Foods, based in Weston, Oregon, has been a key player in the frozen foods industry since its founding in 1919 by Albert Smith. Under continuous Smith family ownership, the company has specialized in growing and processing peas, onions, carrots, corn, and lima beans, sourced from family growers in western Oregon. Smith’s operations include state-of-the-art freezing and packaging facilities, a 250,000-square-foot cold storage facility, and farming operations in Weston and Milton-Freewater, Oregon. Affiliated companies include Smith Food Sales, Brittany Farming, and Garrett Packing, further strengthening their position in the frozen foods supply chain.
CONTACT:
Anne Smith – [email protected] – 920-684-3356
Gary Crowder – [email protected]
