Really Cool Food Co., Renaissance Food Group Merge

In a bid to provide retailers and consumers with a broad turnkey selection of the freshest, high-quality prepared foods solutions, The Really Cool Foods Co. -- a natural and organic prepared foods pioneer -- and Renaissance Food Group -- a distributor and producer of fresh, value-added fruits and vegetables -- unveiled a merger during this week’s IDDBA show in Atlanta.

Using a network of production facilities and distribution centers strategically located across the United States, Sacramento, Calif.-based Renaissance will serve as the sales and marketing unit for the combined companies while creating an unprecedented menu of nutritious, convenient meal solutions under four brands: Garden Highway-Chef Essentials, Really Cool Foods, Garden Highway and Kitchen 1836.

“The combined strengths of the two companies provide a real answer to the industry for delivering fresh food at its best,” said Michael Recanti, founder and CEO of Cambridge City, Ind.-based Really Cool. “The demand continues to grow for solutions, and this merger will ensure grocery retailers, specialty food stores and foodservice providers will have the absolute freshest prepared entrees and side dishes for shoppers to enjoy.”

Having developed a strong reputation with premier retailers to provide quality fresh-cut fruits, vegetables and creative value-added produce options, Renaissance’s expansion into the Garden Highway-Chef Essentials brand has provided an innovative line of recipe-ready ingredients and side dishes positioned to cross-promote and create a destination within the store.

“Retailers continue to demand a solution to fresh, high-quality foods for shoppers,” noted Jim Catchot, president and CEO of Renaissance. “Now, with The Really Cool Food Co., we can significantly expand the menu of items offered. Our logistics and distribution channels provide retailers a wide choice of prepared foods within a short order cycle.”
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