June 14/Cleveland/Crain's Cleveland Business -- Sandridge Food Corp. said it has acquired a majority interest in RMH Foods, a producer of fully cooked refrigerated and frozen entrees based in Morton, Ill.

Sandridge did not say how much it paid for its stake in RMH Foods, which sells retail, foodservice and specialized portion-control products using sous vide, or cook-in-bag, technology. The company said the technology will help expand its offerings to include what Sandridge called "center of the plate" entrees that would complement its line of fresh soups, salads, sides and sauces.

Sandridge said the combination also will strengthen its ability to create and distribute a wider variety of products with reduced sodium and no preservatives.

Under the agreement, RMH Foods will become part of the Sandridge family of companies. The company said Jon Rocke will remain as president of RMH Foods.

"We are truly excited to begin our relationship with RMH Foods,” CEO Mark D. Sandridge said in a news release. “We both are third-generation family businesses, our core values are aligned, and both families have the commitment to create clean label, great-tasting food."