Smart Balance acquired the operation from majority shareholder Hubson Acquisition, LLC, an affiliate of E&A Industries based in Indianapolis, the family of founder Udi Baron, and other minority holders. Udi Healthy Foods was a separate unit from Udis Foods, a family-owned enterprise founded by Udi and Fern Baron in in
Denver in 1994, which operates six restaurants, an artisan bakery, and a catering company. Smart Balance is best known for its buttery spreads, but last fall it acquired another gluten-free company, Glutino's.
"We are excited to add Udi's Healthy Foods to our portfolio of health and wellness brands," said Stephen Hughes, chairman and ceo of Smart Balance. "Udi's has built a strong brand with a very loyal following in gluten"free bread, which includes over 1,000,000 'Friends of Udi's' social marketing followers. Udi's leading bread and bakery portfolio is the perfect complement to Glutinos wide range of grocery products. With this transaction, we will offer the most comprehensive portfolio of gluten-free products to address one of the fastest growing categories in the food industry. This portfolio of gluten-free brands and products will enable us to offer all retailers in North America a one stop strategic partner to address the growth in gluten-free."
