Turri’s Italian Foods (“Turri’s”), a Fund II portfolio company of Benford Capital Partners (“Benford Capital” or “BCP”), is pleased to announce the acquisition of Joseph’s Gourmet Pasta (“Joseph’s”). Together, Turri’s and Joseph’s (collectively, the “Company”) form one of the largest U.S. based providers of frozen pasta, rice, and sauce solutions. The Company serves a broad and diversified customer base, including restaurant chains, independent food service operators, food manufacturers, national retailers, large CPG brands, and distributors.

BCP partnered with members of the Joseph’s and Turri’s management teams to complete the acquisition. David Zwartendijk, Joseph’s current CEO, will lead the combined organization going forward under BCP’s ownership.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Turri’s to establish a category-leading frozen food platform,” commented David Zwartendijk. “This partnership brings together two complementary businesses with shared values and a passion for culinary excellence. I’m honored to lead the company as we continue innovating and delivering value to our customers.”

Regarding the partnership, Turri’s General Manager Doug Turri noted, “Joseph’s has long been recognized as a premium B2B brand in the frozen pasta space. We’re excited to leverage our collective capabilities to better serve our customers and expand our presence in the industry.”

BCP Managing Director Ben Riefe added, “We’re proud to support the combination of Turri’s and Joseph’s — two outstanding companies with experienced leadership teams and complementary product offerings. The combined companies are well-positioned for continued growth and long-term success in the frozen food industry.”

DLA Piper served as legal counsel to Turri’s on the acquisition, Capital One Food & Beverage provided debt financing and New Mountain Capital partnered with BCP to acquire Joseph’s real estate assets. Piper Sandler served as financial advisor to Joseph’s.

ABOUT JOSEPH’S

Founded in 1991 and based near Boston, MA, Joseph’s is a leading manufacturer of frozen pasta, sauces, and appetizers. Operating from a 160,000-square foot, state-of-the art facility, Joseph’s is renowned for its culinary innovation, high-quality ingredients, and premium product portfolio. Joseph’s serves a diverse customer base in the U.S. and Canada across multiple channels. Benford Capital and Turri’s acquired Joseph’s from LaSalle Capital, a Chicago-based lower middle market private equity firm.

ABOUT TURRI’S

Founded in 1949 and located near Detroit, MI, Turri’s is a leading provider of IQF (“individually quick frozen”) ready-to-eat pasta, rice and grains to national restaurant chains, industrial customers, large CPGs, and food service distributors. Turri’s high-quality, consistently prepared products serve as key ingredient components in retail packaged pastas, ready-to-eat meals, prepared pastas, deli salads, and more. Benford Capital acquired Turri’s from the third-generation family owners in August 2024.

ABOUT BENFORD CAPITAL PARTNERS

Founded in 2004, Benford Capital is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on buying and building leading lower middle market companies in partnership with founders and management. Since inception, Benford Capital has acquired over 60 companies and currently owns 16 platform companies. BCP’s industry areas of focus include Food, Ingredients and Consumer Products, Industrial Technology & Manufacturing, Specialty Services, and Agricultural Products and Services. For more information, please visit www.benfordcapital.com.

Please contact Ben Riefe (ben@benfordcapital.com), Andrew King (andrew@benfordcapital.com), or Rupal Patel (rupal@benfordcapital.com) with any questions or add-on acquisition ideas.