Ventura Foods – a leading producer of custom and proprietary dressings, sauces, mayonnaises, oils and other flavorings – has reached an agreement to acquire the Dressings, Sauces and Mayonnaise (DSM) business of Cargill.

"The acquisition of Cargill's DSM business is a strong fit for Ventura Foods' strategy to grow, strengthen and diversify," said Ventura Foods President and CEO Chris Furman. "It further strengthens our innovation platform and leadership in consumer taste and preference trends."

The DSM business adds greater depth to Ventura Foods' already strong capabilities in the custom dressings, sauces and mayonnaise categories. Included in the purchase are Cargill's DSM facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida and substantially all the DSM manufacturing equipment at the Gainesville, Georgia and Sidney, Ohio facilities.

All 46 employees at the Port St. Lucie operation will be offered employment by Ventura Foods. The DSM equipment and business from Gainesville and Sidney will be relocated to Ventura Foods' facilities in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and Fort Worth, Texas. Cargill will provide contract manufacturing services for 15-18 months to Ventura Foods to ensure continuity for customers and a smooth transition to Ventura Foods.

"We are highly confident in our ability to successfully integrate this important business," said Furman. "We are particularly excited to welcome a number of the talented and experienced Cargill DSM employees ? with their reputation for high-quality, innovative product offerings and exceptional customer service ? to the Ventura Foods family."