Weston Foods’ subsidiary acquires U.S. cake manufacturer

Toronto – A subsidiary of George Weston Limited has acquired Tennessee-based Creative Occasions Inc., a decorated-cake manufacturer.

Maplehurst Bakeries LLC, which is based in Indiana, produces breads and rolls, cakes, cookies, donuts, pies and other sweet goods under brand names such as All But Gluten Gluten-Free, Country Treats, Plush Pippin, and Rubschlager.

Creative Occasions was established by two baking industry veterans nine years ago. Today the bakery produces up to 12,000 cakes a day and distributes them to in-store bakeries and foodservice channels throughout the Eastern and Western U.S. The company’s facility in Nashville has 12,000 sq.-ft. of freezer space.

Since the cakes have customized decorations, it’s difficult to automate production. So the company stations a series of decorators along a conveyor line to customize each cake. The company also uses upscale ingredients in its cake formulas.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of January. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Maplehurst was founded in 1967 and has facilities in Washington, New Hampshire, New York, Georgia, Illinois and Indiana.

Kevin McDonough, president of Weston Foods’ Frozen and Biscuit Division, says the acquisition adds talented new staff and high-quality products, which will help grow the company’s cake portfolio.

The acquisition will also “support the growing needs of our customers as we plan to offer an expanded and high-quality portfolio of products to our customers throughout the U.S. and Canada.”

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net