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The basics:

• Mama’s Creations acquires Sysco meat subsidiary for $17.5M
• Deal includes 42,000-sq.-ft. USDA-certified production facility
• 200 employees transition; $56M in annual revenue added
• Acquisition expands production, premium retail reach, boosts sales nearly 40%

Mama’s Creations acquired a Sysco Corp. subsidiary that makes value-added proteins and ready-to-eat meals in a deal worth $17.5 million.

The East Rutherford marketer and manufacturer of fresh prepared deli foods announced the agreement with Crown I Enterprises Inc. Sept 2. The company will also take over a 42,000-square-foot USDA-certified production facility on Long Island. Additionally, 200 employees are expected to transition to the team, Mama’s Creations said.

Originally part of J. Kings Food Service, Sysco acquired Crown in 2019. The Bay Shore-headquartered business specializes in ready-to-eat meals and value-added meat solutions for grocers across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Since the Crown plant is about 10 miles away from Mama’s current Farmingdale facility, the additional site is expected to help with production and warehousing efficiency.

Based on results for the fiscal year ending June 28, 2025, Crown will bring in approximately $56 million in profitable annual revenue to Mama’s Creations. Mama’s Creations projects the addition will boost its sales base by nearly 40%, as well as broaden customer reach into “hard to break into” premium retail partners.

A full plate

According to Mama’s Creations, the acquisition accelerates its goal of reaching $1 billion in annual revenue by 2030.

Founded in 2010, Mama’s Creations makes and distributes all-natural beef, turkey, chicken, pork meatballs and other Italian products.

Over 12,000 grocery, mass, club and convenience stores nationally sell the brand. Outlets include Costco, Kings, Whole Foods, ShopRite, Stop & Shop and The Fresh Market. It is also available through QVC’s direct platform on live appearances, auto shipments and online purchases.

In a statement, Mama’s Creations Chairman and CEO Adam Michaels said, “Having watched and competed against Crown since the Creative Salads acquisition, we have always respected their principles, reinforcing our quality promise while expanding our operational capabilities, and we are excited to welcome them to the Mama’s family.”

He went on to say, “By opportunistically acquiring a profitable plant 10 miles from Farmingdale that runs the same grill platform, we gain immediate and de-risked capacity and clear synergies to our core business. We see a clear path to expand our product penetration across Crown’s premium customer base through cross-selling, and with its nearby New York facility we anticipate a seamless integration that further enhances our ability to better service our new customers.”

Michaels went on to note other acquisitions that Mama’s Creations has made in recent years, including Creative Salads & Olive Branch LLC in 2021 and Chef Inspirational Foods in 2023.

“This also continues to validate our M&A strategy of acting as a consolidator in the space … we are able to find incremental and accretive businesses at very attractive multiples, to accelerate and build our capabilities,” Michaels said.