Consumer products giant Unilever said Tuesday that it has purchased Minneapolis-based Talenti Gelato & Sorbetto for an undisclosed price.
Talenti is the bestselling U.S. packaged gelato, Unilever said in a statement. Talenti's 30 gelato and sorbetto flavors are complementary to Unilever's huge ice cream business, which includes the Breyers, Ben & Jerry's and Good Humor brands.
"The acquisition widens Unilever's position in the fast-growing gelato market with its artisanal offerings and its clear, distinct and recyclable packaging," Kees Kruythoff, president of Unilever North America, said in a statement.
Talenti, which was founded in 2003 in Dallas, is expected to have more than $120 million in revenue in 2014. The company has a gelato plant in Marietta, Ga., which will continue to operate under Unilever's wing.
The deal with Unilever gives Talenti "an unprecedented opportunity to grow and expand its footprint and reach more customers," Talenti said in a statement.
Anglo-Dutch Unilever is one of the world's largest consumer products companies, with $62 billion in sales during its most recent fiscal year. Its portfolio includes Hellmann's mayonnaise, Lipton tea and Dove soap.
Mike Hughlett
