The business and assets of Montreal-based Alasko Foods, a leading producer of frozen fruits and vegetables, have been purchased by the joint venture partnership of Groupe Commensal Inc. and Avrio Sub-Debt. Aviro is a venture capital division of Farm Credit Canada, and operates as Commensal-Avrio.
It is the conclusion of a process that began in 2020 and included the appointment of a receiver in September, and the selection of Commensal-Avrio as the best for Alasko and its stakeholders. Court approved the transaction, and it closed on October 16, 2020, transferring the business and assets of Alasko to New Alasko.
ChefConnexion.com spoke with George Kyres, president and CEO at New Alasko, for some insights on their plans for the future.
Question: What does this announcement mean for restaurant operators?
Answer: Restaurant operators can expect to receive the same great quality products as before, and we’re going to bring new innovation to the market. Restaurants can expect sales and service to be best in class. Our ultimate goal is growing together.
Question: What will New Alasko be providing for operators?
Answer: New Alasko will be looking to expand its assortment of products to include innovations such as new vegetable blends that are vegan friendly and plant-based. Operators can expect the New Alasko team members to respond quickly to their challenges and menu opportunities.
Question: How will New Alasko be better positioned to serve the needs of its customers?
Answer: We have re-organized our sales leadership and local teams to be in a better position to service the foodservice commercial and non-commercial segments. Our priority is to provide optimal customer solutions.
We will listen to customer needs and propose the right quality, right specification and right pack size — all at the right price, to drive traffic and overall sales growth at the operator level. The New Alasko team will leverage its industry experience, market knowledge, buying expertise and relationships with our partner growers to help our customers win in the market.
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About the AuthorLAWRENCE HERZOG |
A writer, photographer and broadcaster for 30+ years, Lawrence Herzog is an experienced and accomplished communications professional with a specialty in foodservice and tourism. He was editor of Flavours magazine and contributing editor of Your Foodservice Manager magazine.
