23 April 2007 - Scott Salyer, chief executive officer of international food processor SK Foods, has become the sole owner of Salyer American Fresh Foods, a company established 20 years ago by Mr. Salyer and his family.
As one of the largest fresh produce suppliers to corporate and retail customers nationwide, Salyer American Fresh Foods will become a division of SK Foods based in Monterey and the Central Valley.
"It's a natural fit," said Mr. Salyer. He continues, "At SK Foods, we have a well-deserved reputation for processing and formulating top-of-the line fresh products for the country's largest food manufacturers, retailers and foodservice organizations. The strength of the two entities will complement one another."
Salyer American Fresh Foods is based in Salinas with operations in California and Arizona, and markets products under the American Classic brand.
The companies have had long-time family and business ties with one another. Salyer American Fresh Foods was established in 1986 when the family-owned farming organization Salyer American chose to diversify from its longtime economic anchors of grain and cotton.
Salyer American Fresh Foods continued independently with Mr. Salyer as a shareholder. Mr. Salyer has now acquired the balance of company shares that were previously held by his father, Fred Salyer, and sister Linda Salyer Lee, for an undisclosed amount.
SK Foods' senior executives Alan Huey and Rick Emmett will oversee the fresh foods company with Mr. Huey named president and chief operating officer and Mr. Emmett appointed vice president agricultural operations. Fresh foods industry sales executive, Peter Romero, joins the company as vice president of sales and marketing.
According to Mr. Huey, "Salyer American Fresh Foods has valuable long-term customer relationships that are recognized regionally and nationally. The American Classic brand is expected to flourish as these relationships are enhanced by the direct association with SK Foods."
Established in 1990, SK Foods has grown from its beginning as a processor of tomato paste and sauces for industrial remanufacturers to also become a leading supplier of processed vegetable products for some of the world's most recognized brands. In addition, it is one of the largest certified producers of organic products. The product line ranges from tomato sauces, diced tomatoes, purees and pastes, to pasta sauces, salsas, green chilies, jalapenos, tomatillos and other formulated products. A full line of canning, glass and plastic packaging options for retail and foodservice are available in addition to packaging for industrial clients. In 2003, SK Foods completed the purchase of Cedenco Foods which serves customers in the Pacific region with formulated food products and has facilities in New Zealand and Australia. Northern California's Colusa Canning was acquired by SK Foods in 2003 and was expanded to include multiple canning products for tomatoes, chilies and Mexican sauces.