Landec acquires Yucatan Foods

On Dec. 3, 2018, Landec Natural Foods announced that it had added Yucatan and Cabo Fresh guacamole brands to its portfolio of plant-based products. The company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Apio, Inc made the acquisition.

The addition strengthens Landec Natural Foods’ portfolio of 100 percent clean ingredient, plant-based brands that includes Eat Smart packaged fresh vegetables and salad kits, O Olive Oil and Vinegar, and Now Plantingpure-plant meal solutions.

Landec expects significant growth from the Yucatan and Cabo Fresh brands due to their authentic and flavorful products, as well as tailwinds in the rapidly growing guacamole category. The guacamole category growth is projected to continue as current household penetration of guacamole is estimated at only 21 percent within the U.S.

“We are excited for the team at Yucatan Foods to join Landec Natural Foods as we create a different kind of food company. At Landec Natural Foods, we are re-imagining the way fresh, plant-based foods are grown, prepared and delivered,” said Molly Hemmeter, President and CEO of Landec Corporation.

“Plant-forward consumers are currently seeking solutions outside of retail stores – in foodservice, direct-to-consumer meal kits, and home preparation. Our growing portfolio of plant-based products enables us to work strategically with our customers to evolve the fresh perimeter of the store by offering solutions that attract the growing population of plant-forward consumers and bring them back in store,” said Hemmeter.