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Kayco is acquiring Paramount Foods LLC, a Long Hill-based wholesaler that provides natural and organic healthy snacks to retailers across New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

In a Jan. 8 press release announcing the purchase, the Bayonne-headquartered kosher and multi-cultural food supplier and manufacturer said the move will expand its portfolio and further optimize distribution in the Northeast.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

A family-owned company, Kayco has distribution in more than 40 countries, as well as independent grocers and major supermarket chains across the U.S.

Kayco is the nation’s largest kosher food purveyor. Additionally, it sources and distributes products to the general market to help meet the demands of consumers looking for specialty food products that are healthful, convenient, and/or for restricted diets and lifestyles.

Kayco was formed by the 2019 merger of Kedem Foods, Kenover Marketing and B&W Foods. The business spans nine generations. With more than 5,000 products and 175-plus brands, Kayco offers a wide variety of categories, such as:

• Juices
• Confections
• Snacks
• Condiments
• Baking needs
• General-purpose products

Its biggest brands include Manischewitz, Kedem, and Gefen.

Paramount Foods began in 2006 with the goal of providing bulk nuts, dried fruits and grains to supermarkets in North Jersey. Since then, the company has grown the products it carries and expanded distribution. Its network now includes health food stores, farmers’ markets, bakeries and frozen dessert shops.

Bringing back ‘the human element’

Harold Weiss, Kayco’s chief sales officer, said, “This acquisition reflects our vision to expand our assortment and further enhance our distribution network in the critical Northeast corridor. By bringing Paramount Foods into the Kayco family, we’re not only broadening our brand offerings but also improving service levels and cost efficiencies for our retail partners.”

Kayco CEO Mordy Herzog added, “We realize that there is a great opportunity for local distributors to shine. Paramount has always prioritized the personal relationship side of the business, both with their vendors and their customers. The distribution business has shifted from brand building and partnering to logistical necessities. With this acquisition, Kayco is determined to bring the human element back into the mix.”

David Carn, owner of Paramount Foods, shared his optimism about the future, saying he “couldn’t envision a better partner than Kayco” to further his company’s legacy of “delivering excellence.”

He went on, “Their scale, expertise, and commitment to innovation will ensure that we can collectively achieve more—both for our customers and for the families who depend on us.”

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