Wells is headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, and manufactures dessert products like Blue Bunny, Bomb Pops and light ice cream Chilly Cow. It’s one of the largest family-owned ice cream producers in the US.
The company said it decided to pursue Fieldbrook Foods because it “aligns well with Wells’ business goals and growth plan.” It will also “meet future demand and adds an important footprint on the East Coast.”
Fieldbrook specializes in private label and novelty production. It operates production facilities in Dunkirk, New York, and Lakewood, New Jersey. Wells does not have immediate plans to close either facility.
Mike Wells, CEO and president of Wells, said, “The combination creates a stronger platform for growth and positions us to better serve our customers, as well as providing a more geographically diverse footprint for us. We’re excited for the future and growing our business together.”
The acquisition was effective April 15. According to Wells, the two brands will together employ more than 3,800 people and produce close to 200m gallons of ice cream.
Last summer, the FDA turned to Wells for guidance on modern dessert production. FDA officials visited Wells facilities to observe food safety, quality, and allergen protection methods during the manufacturing process.
Wells was recommended to the FDA by the International Dairy Foods Association as a high-standard frozen dessert facility. The FDA was working on revamping its ‘Frozen Dessert Processing Guidelines,’ not updated since 1989.