LAKE SUCCESS, NY
The Hain Celestial Group, has announced the acquisition of the remaining approximately 80% of Empire Kosher Poultry based in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania at a price $57.6 million.
According to Market Watch, Empire offers a full range of kosher antibiotic- and hormone-free chicken and turkey products including fresh tray pack, frozen, deli, fully cooked, gluten-free and organic products in the United States as well as the Kosher Valley brand sold exclusively at Whole Foods Market.
"We are excited with our strategic acquisition of Empire, the leading kosher, antibiotic-free poultry brand in the United States and welcome Jeff Brown and the Empire team to Hain Celestial. Empire expands our Farm to Table product offerings, a growing category that appeals to those seeking 'the pure foods trend,' including our core natural and organic consumers," said Irwin D. Simon, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hain Celestial.
Jeffrey N. Brown, Chief Executive Officer, will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Empire, reporting to Irwin Simon.
"Empire products appeal to a broad market of consumers, not just those seeking our brand and products to observe dietary customs. As the No. 1 kosher producer of humanely raised hormone-free and antibiotic-free poultry, I'm pleased to be able to continue the heritage of Empire under the stewardship of Hain Celestial, where we feel we can leverage opportunities to expand our distribution," said Jeffrey N. Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Empire.
Simon continued by saying Empire is a strong brand with a lot of experience that will provide Hain Celestial with an opportunity to broaden its portfolio.
