USA: PNC Brands Group acquires majority stake in Ice Cream Factory

PNC Brands Group, which provides integrated support for food brands and is the parent company of Pivot North Consulting Group and PNC Specialty Foods, has acquired a majority stake in the US-based, family-owned ice cream business Ice Cream Factory.

Founded in 2019, Ice Cream Factory produces handcrafted ice cream sold in thousands of retail outlets across the United States, as well as offering co-manufacturing services to regional and emerging food brands. The company operates from a restored 90,000 sq ft dairy facility in Lebanon (PA).

Commenting on the move, PNC Brands Group CEO Gail Kurpgeweit said: “Our goal is to preserve everything that makes Ice Cream Factory special while expanding its ability to grow. […] Together, we’re building a stronger foundation for future growth that benefits the community, our clients, and consumers”.

Ice Cream Factory founder Shannon Imler added: “I’m proud of what we’ve built and excited for what’s ahead. Partnering with PNC Brands Group allows us to strengthen operations, expand opportunities, and support other food entrepreneurs while staying true to our roots here in Missouri”.

Post-acquisition, PNC plans to modernise Ice Cream Factory with upgraded processing lines, increased frozen storage and a new savoury production line to enhance its efficiency and co-manufacturing strength.

The company will retain its entire workforce and add 12–15 new roles across production, R&D and client services.

Source: PNC Specialty Foods (via PRNewswire)