Golden State Foods Acquires KanPak U.S.

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IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Golden State Foods (GSF), one of the largest diversified food processors and distributors in the U.S., announced today that it has acquired controlling interests in KanPak U.S., headquartered in Arkansas City, Kan., a leading supplier of beverages and desserts using aseptic processing technology. The purchase of KanPak U.S. includes operations in Kansas, Connecticut, Canada, Mexico and China.

"We're excited about expanding our partnership with KanPak, which will enable GSF and KanPak to increase our offerings to our customers domestically and internationally," said Mark Wetterau, chairman and CEO of Golden State Foods. "It will enable both companies to more fully execute the strategy of meeting the needs of evolving global markets across food and beverage customers, foodservice and consumer packaged goods."

Dennis Cohlmia, who has been serving as the second generation president and chief executive officer of KanPak U.S. for more than four decades, will serve as chairman of the board of KanPak U.S.  Dennis' father, George Cohlmia, originally founded KanPak in 1965. GSF Corporate Vice President and President of Food Processing, Larry McGill, will be promoted to serve as corporate vice president of Golden State Foods and president and chief executive officer of KanPak U.S.  "These two great leaders and rich cultures create an outstanding combination to build this company for tomorrow," adds Mark.

KanPak produces a variety of dairy-based products such as smoothies, ice cream, milk shake base, packaged milk, coffees, creamers, frozen desserts and specialty beverages. Its state-of-the-art facilities include a manufacturing plant in Arkansas City, Kan., an administrative office in Wichita, Kan., an equipment dispensing plant in Southbury, Conn., a sales and marketing office in Mexico City, Mexico, a leased manufacturing plant in Queretaro, Mexico, a manufacturing plant in Xiantao City (Hubei Province), China, and a sales and marketing, research and development/pilot lab in Shanghai.  KanPak currently employs more than 400 full-time associates. Some of its customers include Chick-fil-A, Tim Hortons, KFC, 7-Eleven, McDonald's, Wendy's, Nestle and Costco, among others.

About Golden State Foods
Golden State Foods is one of the largest diversified suppliers to the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry. Established in 1947, the company is value-based with proven performance in superior quality, innovation and customer service throughout the QSR industry. With approximately 4,500 employees worldwide, GSF services more than 25,000 stores in more than 60 countries on five continents from its 42 facilities. Its core businesses include processing of liquid products, meat, produce, dairy and other services as well as full-line distribution to the quick service restaurant industry. GSF supports more than 50 leading customers around the world, including McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Nestle, Arby's, Zaxby's, KFC and Taco Bell, among others. The company also runs a national non-profit organization, the GSF Foundation, for kids. For more information, visit: www.goldenstatefoods.com.

About KanPak U.S.
KanPak LLC (www.kanpak.us) is the industry leader in aseptically packaged coffee, dairy and fruit beverages and desserts. Based in Wichita, Kan., the company has plants located in Arkansas City, Kan., Queretaro, Mexico, and Xiantao, Hubei, China, as well as offices and distribution centers in Toronto, Ont., Mexico City, Mexico, and Shanghai, China. KanPak's dispensing equipment business and facility are located in Southbury, Conn.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Agnew
[email protected]
323-762-2417

SOURCE Golden State Foods