New Horizons Baking Co. expands capabilities with latest acquisition

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New Horizons Baking Co. expands capabilities with latest acquisition

3 Jan 2024

Joanie Spencer

Since 2008, Joanie Spencer has covered the retail and wholesale sides of the baking industry.
Serving associations such as the American Society of Baking (ASB) and BEMA, Joanie is also in demand as an industry presenter on bakery operations and trends. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Rockhurst University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

When she’s not running or playing soccer, Joanie spends her time with her husband and 11-year-old son.

NORWALK, OH — New Horizons Baking Co. (NHB) announced the acquisition of Columbus, OH-based Graffiti Foods, LLC, a producer of highly customized, liquid blend solutions for intermediate and regional chain restaurants. The acquisition closed on Dec. 29, 2023, with terms not disclosed.

This deal follows the 2021 acquisition of Coalescence, a manufacturer of custom dry seasoning blends and flavors for food and beverage, completing NHB’s custom ingredient portfolio.

The company’s strategic plan involves providing a full array of food, beverage, and nutritional solutions to its customers.

“This acquisition provides a vertical integration that diversifies our business,” said Trina Bediako, CEO of NHB. “We intend to provide nutritional solutions for our customers and colleagues.”

A family-owned company, Graffiti Foods was run by the husband-and-wife team Phil and Susan Griesinger for the past 16 years. With a focus on liquid blending to produce items such as soups, sauces, sides, gravies, appetizers, dips and fruit toppings, Graffiti’s portfolio complements Coalescence’s dry blending capabilities.

“This makes our portfolio complete in a sensible way,” Bediako said. “Making liquid blending part of our ingredient company allows us to create completely custom blending.”

“The intent [with the acquisition] is to broaden what we offer and create solutions that are quality-driven and at a great price.” — Trina Bediako | CEO | New Horizons Baking Co.

By mid-year, NHB plans to integrate Graffiti Foods with Coalescence NHB to become New Horizons Food Solutions, LLC, housed in one facility.

“Our decision to rebrand reflects our long-term commitment to delivering exceptional products and services throughout the food industry,” said Mike Porter, NHB president and COO.

As the company continues its strategic growth, NHB is focused on food, beverage and nutritional solutions. While ingredient solutions are expanding with the creation of New Horizons Food Solutions, bakery products will remain a growth avenue through NHB’s production of English muffins and soft rolls for major quick-service restaurant chains and iconic brand food businesses.

“Bakery will always be our primary focus,” Bediako said, “The intent [with the acquisition] is to broaden what we offer and create solutions that are quality-driven and at a great price. We’re controlling our growth and making sure our teams have the tools they need to do their best work. It’s an exciting time.”

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