Country Pure Foods Acquires Cal-Tex Citrus Juice, LP

AKRON, Ohio, April 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Country Pure Foods, one of the nation's largest independent juice processors, announced today the purchase of Cal-Tex Citrus Juice, LP.  This acquisition enhances Country Pure Foods' manufacturing and distribution capabilities.

"The acquisition of Cal-Tex gives us the opportunity to extend our geographic reach by adding a fourth production facility, allowing us to better serve our national accounts with a combined broad product offering and improved delivery time to market," said Raymond K. Lee, President and CEO, Country Pure Foods. "We will continue to look at other opportunities to broaden our manufacturing footprint as we complete our coast-to-coast strategy." 

"We are very enthusiastic about the strategic benefits of this transaction and look forward to offering our existing customers a wider range of products," states Gary Van Liew, CEO of Cal-Tex Citrus Juice. "We believe the merger of our two companies will create a powerful combination that will benefit all our customers."

Country Pure Foods will continue to operate the Cal-Tex plant located in Houston, Texas, and products will be consolidated under the Ardmore Farms brand.  In addition to the newly acquired Houston plant, Country Pure Foods has facilities in Akron, Ohio, Ellington, Conn. and Deland, Fla.  Gary Van Liew will remain with the combined Company and will serve as its Vice Chairman.

Country Pure Foods is a portfolio company of Mistral Equity Partners.  Mistral acquired Country Pure Foods in August, 2010 and the acquisition of Cal-Tex further illustrates Mistral's stated objective to rapidly grow Country Pure Foods' business through acquisition and product innovation.

About Country Pure Foods

Country Pure Foods makes individually packaged fresh fruit drinks, juices, and nectars.  Today, it is one of the nation's largest independent processors of juice products for grocery and convenience stores, foodservice and contract manufacturing segments.  Multiple plant locations allow Country Pure Foods to efficiently service its nationwide customer base with a broad line of product packaging alternatives.  Private labeling and contract packaging are also available.  Country Pure Foods is SQF (Safe Quality Foods) Certified Level 3, the highest level attainable.

About Mistral Equity Partners

Mistral Equity Partners is a private equity firm comprised of highly experienced investment professionals and seasoned industry executives. The firm specializes in the consumer, retail, and consumer focused media sectors, and is especially attracted to businesses that are supported by strong demographic trends and fundamental changes in consumer preferences.

SOURCE Country Pure Foods