How do you become the “largest U. S. importer or specialty cheeses? Buy up a bunch of companies. That’s what Fairmount Food Group is doing.
Bing Graffunder, CEO of Fairmount Food Group, LLC, today announced the acquisition of Swissrose International, Inc., the specialty and food service cheese business of ConAgra Foods Inc. The transaction creates the largest U.S. importer and marketer of specialty and deli-style cheeses and is the fifth cheese industry acquisition for the Dallas-based investment firm and its equity sponsor, GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC.
“The addition of Swissrose to our recent acquisitions of DCI Cheese Company, Carter Meister, Green Bay Cheese and G&G Foods is a very significant transaction and a major step toward expanding our branded offerings and delivering our customers the very best products and service,” said Graffunder. “With this acquisition we are more than doubling the size of our specialty cheese portfolio, expanding our U.S. presence from coast to coast and increasing our ability to more effectively serve our growing foodservice business.”
Founded in 1938, Swissrose sells imported and specialty cheeses under brands that include: Joan of Arc, King’s Choice and a number of cheeses from Spain under the Queso Autentico de Espana brand, Chevrion goat cheese and Ilchester cheese from England. It also sells deli cheeses such as Swiss, cheddar and provolone under the County Line brand. Swissrose will continue to operate under its own identity and will report to Tim Omer, CEO of DCI Cheese Company.