Mott's buying co-packer

Mott's Inc. (Stamford, CT), a subsidiary of Cadbury Schweppes plc, has agreed to acquire Carteret Packaging (Carteret, NJ), Inc. for $14.8 million. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of January and does not require regulatory approval.

Carteret Packaging, Inc., is a co-packing facility, bottling beverage products primarily for Cadbury Schweppes' subsidiary Snapple Beverage Group (White Plains, NY). The acquisition also includes three leased warehouses.

"The acquisition of Carteret provides our North American beverage businesses with logistical synergies," said John Brock, chief operating officer, Cadbury Schweppes plc. "Snapple products will continue to be bottled at Carteret, and the plant will be run as part of Mott's Inc., because they have expertise in manufacturing finished products. This sharing of skill sets demonstrates how we are using the strengths of each of our North American businesses to gain competitive advantages."

Mott's president, Brad Irwin, commented, "Working with Snapple, we expect to gain significant synergies in production, warehousing and inventory reduction, through this acquisition."

Carteret currently employs 150 people, and that number is expected to increase as production at the facility increases.

Snapple Beverage Group is the leader in the premium beverage business, and its portfolio includes Mistic, Snapple and Stewart's. More information about Snapple can be found on its web site, www.snapple.com.

Mott's Inc. is the nation's leading producer of branded apple sauce and apple juice. More information about Mott's can be found on its web site, www.motts.com.

For more info: Chris Curran, Mott's Inc., 203-968-7882.

Edited by Judy Rice,
Managing Editor, Beverage Online