Unilever buys Talenti gelato e sorbetto for undisclosed sum

Talenti revenues are set to reach $120m this year

02-Dec-2014 - Last updated on 02-Dec-2014 at 19:23 GMT

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Founded by Josh Hochschuler in 2003, Talenti has been significantly outpacing rivals in the frozen desserts aisle in recent years, and is on course to generate revenues of $120m in 2014.

Multi-outlet sales data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI shows that dollar sales of Talenti gelato in US supermarkets, drugstores, mass market retailers, military commissaries and select club & dollar chains surged 82% in the 52 weeks to November 2, while dollar sales of its sorbets were up 55% over the same period.

In comparison, overall dollar sales of ice cream rose 2.4% over the same period, while dollar sales of sherbert/sorbet/ices were down 6.68% (IRI multi-outlet data, 52 weeks to Nov 2).

Senior management team to stay on post the acquisition​

In a statement issued Tuesday, Talenti said it would “continue to craft gelato and sorbetto using old world methods…​ [and] maintain and operate its production facility in Marietta, Georgia”.​

CEO Steve Gill added that joining Unilever would give Talenti “access to Unilever's extensive distribution network​” and complement Unilever's ice cream portfolio, which includes the Ben & Jerry's, Breyers, Fruttare, Good Humor, Klondike, Magnum and Popsicle brands.

He added: "We are thrilled to join the Unilever family, work together to expand distribution and share Talenti love with even more ice cream consumers.”​

Talenti will operate as a stand-alone business of Unilever North America​

Unilever, meanwhile, told FoodNavigator-USA that the senior management team at Talenti including would be staying on post the acquisition.

A spokesperson added: “Talenti will operate as a stand-alone business of Unilever North America headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Talenti CEO Steve Gill will report directly to Kees Kruythoff, President, Unilever North America.​

“We see Talenti as complementary to our existing brands. The acquisition will allow us to provide consumers with a more complete and well-differentiated offering.”​

A 'fantastic' brand​

Asked about manufacturing, Unilever confirmed that Talenti products would continue to be made in a facility in Marietta, Georgia, post the deal.

Kees Kruythoff, President of Unilever North America, added: “The acquisition widens Unilever’s position in the fast-growing gelato market with its artisanal offerings and its clear, distinct and recyclable packaging. ​

"We are looking forward to growing and developing this fantastic brand further.”​

More to follow...

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