Smucker Completes Deal for Coffee Firm

The J. M. Smucker Company has completed its acquisition of the coffee brands and business operations of Rowland Coffee Roasters, Inc.. Rowland products are primarily sold under the Hispanic Cafe Bustelo and Cafe Pilon brands, with distribution in retail and foodservice channels concentrated in the Northeastern U.S. and Southern Florida.

It is also a leading producer of espresso coffee in the U.S., generating total net sales in excess of $110 million in 2010. The acquisition includes a manufacturing, distribution, and office facility in Miami.

"This acquisition strengthens and broadens the breadth of our leadership in the U.S. retail coffee category," says Executive Chairman/co-CEO Richard Smucker. "The addition of the Cafe Bustelo and Cafe Pilon coffee brands, each with a rich heritage, provides us with a unique opportunity to establish a strong presence in coffee with Hispanic consumers in the U.S."

"This is an exciting bolt-on transaction and a good strategic fit for our Company," adds President/COO Vince Byrd. "The acquisition is expected to be accretive in fiscal 2012, and provides our coffee business with greater scale and reach. Our proven ability to leverage our existing infrastructure will provide additional growth opportunities for these trusted brands."