11.01.10
Building on its entry into the children’s market, Lifeway Foods, Morton Grove, IL, has acquired the assets of NJ-based First Juice, Inc., creator of a line of organic fruit and vegetable juice beverages designed for children. The transaction opens potential distribution channels for existing Lifeway products, and marks the first step in a strategic diversification into non-dairy-based health beverages, according to the company. First Juice offers four juice flavors that are made from organic produce: apple+carrot, banana+carrot, blueberry+purple carrot and peach+purple carrot. First Juice recorded more than $1.7 million in sales in 2009 after just two years in business, reflecting parents’ rising interest in providing their children with natural foods. The purchase price for the assets of the company was $220,000. The transaction is Lifeway’s third acquisition in four years.