May 2/Toronto/CNW -- Associated Brands completed a merger with North American Tea & Coffee Inc., a Vancouver-based manufacturer of specialty tea and dry mix products.   This announcement comes on the heels of the Associated Brands' announcement of its acquisition of Soluble Products in January 2012.

This merger broadens and strengthens Associated Brands Private Label business, adding a portfolio of leading market positions and capabilities including ready to serve oatmeal and the fast-growing market for specialty teas.

"The merger with NATC further strengthens our position as a partner of choice, both within the private label industry as well as the growing co-manufacturing sector," said CEO Scott Greenwood.  "As the largest independent specialty tea manufacturer, NATC leverages Associated Brands into a very relevant category which is being driven by a younger demographic and their orientation to health and wellness".

"We are looking forward to working with Scott and his team to capitalize on the respective strengths of the two companies in order to benefit our current and prospective customers," commented Riyaz Devji, Managing Director for NATC.

Associated Brands has two manufacturing and R&D facilities serving customers in Canada, the U.S., the Caribbean and Mexico.   In addition to its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Medina, N.Y., the merger will add manufacturing facilities in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada.

The combined company, operating under the name Associated Brands, will offer products which are BRC and Kosher Certified by OU and BCK, and Organic Certified by QAI, SQF level III and NHP.

 From the May 3, 2012, Prepared Foods’ Daily News