Associated Brands acquires BC tea company

MISSISSAUGA, ON—Associated Brands has bought North American Tea & Coffee Inc. (NATC), a maker of specialty tea and dry mix products based in Delta, BC.

Both companies supply retail and foodservice markets in Canada and the United States.

Based in Mississauga, ON, Associated Brands produces private label and co-manufactured packaged foods and beverages to customers in Canada, the U.S., the Caribbean and Mexico.

"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," Associated Brands CEO Scott Greenwood said in a release last week.

The company formed by the merger of the two corporations will operate as Associated Brands and continue to be majority owned by Canadian private equity firm TorQuest Partners.

The products supplied to foodservice operators by Associated Brands include sweeteners, powdered drink mixes, side dishes, dry soups, desserts and coating mixes.

NATC brands are Royal City, Carriage Trade, Delta, Monarch and Basic Choice.