The new Sara Lee Frozen Bakery will focus on its iconic Sara Lee, Van’s, Chef Pierre and Bistro Collection brands
Sara Lee® Frozen Bakery is commencing operations with the closing of the sale of Tyson Foods’ Frozen Bakery business to private equity firm Kohlberg & Company. Drawing on its heritage as a leading bakery and dessert maker, the new Sara Lee® Frozen Bakery will focus on its iconic Sara Lee®, Van’s®, Chef Pierre® and Bistro Collection® brands, especially in the fast-growing premium dessert food service market.
Sara Lee® Frozen Bakery will establish its headquarters in the Chicago suburb of Oakbrook Terrace, and continue operations at two manufacturing facilities in Traverse City, Mich., and Tarboro, N.C, just outside of Raleigh-Durham. The new management team, led by chief executive officer Craig Bahner, president and head of sales Don Davis, and chief financial officer Jeff Gronbeck, will be recruiting 60-80 new senior-level professionals in the areas of sales and marketing, research and development, finance, human resources, and supply chain, bolstering the resources and team needed to accelerate innovation in these competitive categories. The new company will employ approximately 1,300 people at the headquarters and plant locations.