NEW YORK — Investment firm ICV Partners, LLC acquired two brands from Raymundo’s Food Group, LLC, a portfolio company of AUA Private Equity Partners, LLC. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed.
The Desi Natural and Noga brands acquired through the transaction will operate as a new company – Desi Fresh Foods – under ICV. Desi Fresh will continue to produce the brands’ lassi and dahi products under the recently established label. Lassi is a drinkable South Asian yogurt, and dahi is a yogurt used as an ingredient in several South Asian meals and beverages.
“ICV is excited to create a new company that is a leader in its category,” said Qian Elmore, managing director at ICV. “Desi Fresh Foods growth has outpaced the growth of the South Asian population and appeals to the broadening American consumer’s palate. We think there is considerable opportunity to bring Desi Fresh Foods products to more grocers in America.”
The company plans to operate out of its acquired manufacturing site in Farmingdale, NY. Larry LaPorta, general manager of the facility since 2018, has been named chief executive officer of Desi Fresh.
“We have plans to increase our distribution and new product offerings to meet the changing needs of our consumers,” LaPorta said. “Further, we will also invest to meet the growing demand for our fantastic brands. Ultimately, we want to create the leading refrigerated South Asian food company in the United States.”
The company joins JK&T Wings, the largest Buffalo Wild Wings franchisee, in ICV’s current food and beverage portfolio.