MISSISSAUGA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Furlani Foods announces signing a definitive agreement to acquire Cole's Quality Foods. This combination brings together two of the leading brands in the garlic bread category, creating production, innovation, and supply chain advantages for both brands’ customers and consumers.
Furlani is a leading producer of garlic breads, including garlic Texas toast, loaves, rolls, breadsticks, bread knots, and related products. The company’s pre-acquisition network includes three facilities located in Mississauga, Ontario, and Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Their products are sold at leading national retailers under the Furlani brand, and as private label and food service brands. Furlani is also the number one brand of pre-packaged garlic breads in Canada.
Cole’s Quality Foods, founded in 1943, introduced frozen garlic bread to the North American market and has continued to innovate in the frozen bakery category, introducing products such as twisted and cheese-filled garlic breadsticks. Cole’s operates two production facilities located in Muskegon, Michigan, and North Liberty, Iowa. Its branded products are sold at leading US retailers under the Cole’s brand.
“We are proud to bring Cole’s, its brand, and its long history into the Furlani family,” said Jonathan Kawaja, CEO of Furlani Foods. “Combining these companies means we can bring our customers an expanded product line, greater capacity, and improved service. It supports our ability to grow, ensuring a bright future.”
The company believes combining these two brands and the collective production capabilities will drive efficiencies and innovation that benefit consumers. The company will continue to operate as Furlani Foods with the current CEO, Jonathan Kawaja. The operations center will remain in Mississauga, Ontario.
“This acquisition is a combination of two enduring, family-founded companies and trusted consumer brands. We are aligned on dedication to customer service, quality, innovation, and sustainability. This is good news for the future of the company, our customers, and ultimately our consumers,” said Scott Devon CEO, Cole’s.
Following normal regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in Q1 2025.
About Furlani Foods
Furlani Foods was founded in 1984 as a family baking business and has grown into a household brand and leader in frozen garlic breads. Furlani products are sold under its own brands, and as private label and foodservice products. In 2023, Entrepreneurial Equity Partners of Chicago invested in the company alongside the Kawaja family. More information on Furlani can be found at furlanifoods.com.
