Halo Top acquired by Blue Bunny producer
Halo Top has experienced a meteoric rise in the last few years, and is now category leader of better-for-you frozen desserts in the US. It has a strong portfolio of dairy and non-dairy ice cream pints and bars, with rotating seasonal flavors.
The brand has been sold to Iowa-based Wells Enterprises, one of the largest family-owned ice cream producers in the US. This week’s announcement expands Wells’ portfolio to five distinct dessert brands.
Wells manufactures Blue Bunny ice cream, Blue Ribbon Classics, Bomb Pop popsicles and Chilly Cow, another light ice cream brand. It also operates a private label and co-pack business.
In April, Wells acquired Fieldbrook Foods to expand the company on the east coast. The New York-based Fieldbrook specializes in private label and novelty production.
Mike Wells, CEO and president of Wells, said, “Halo Top disrupted the ice cream category by providing a high protein, low sugar, low calorie dessert that gave consumers a reason to purchase ice cream as a treat again. Halo Top met a consumer need that no one else in the category was serving.
“We feel it is a good fit for the Wells portfolio as we look to broaden our offerings for consumers. Wells has been making ice cream products for over 100 years. We have the sales and marketing expertise, but more importantly the passion, to help grow this brand even further. We love ice cream and will leverage Halo Top’s brand equity and awareness to help grow it.”
Wells said that there will be no interruptions in service of Halo Top products, and customers can expect the same quality that Halo Top has always delivered. Wells also agreed to license the Halo Top brand outside the US and Canada.
It said it will license to a new company that Doug Bouton, the current president and COO of Halo Top, plans to operate after closing the deal. No further details about the new company or potential global expansion were offered.
Justin Woolverton, CEO and founder of Halo Top, said, “We’re thrilled to join the Wells family. As Halo Top continues to mature, Wells’ expertise in everything from operations, to managing brands, to making ice cream products for over a century will help Halo Top become an even better product and stronger brand.
“On top of that, Wells simply does things the right way – something that has been at the forefront for us when looking at potential acquirers.”
Financial details of the deal, which is expected to close later this month, are not being disclosed.
