Natural Products  September 22, 2016

Allen takes over helm at Pinnacle Foods’ operations in Boulder

BOULDER — Michael E. Allen, a food-industry veteran with experience leading health and wellness brands, has taken over leadership at New Jersey-based Pinnacle Foods Inc.’s operations in Boulder.

Allen, 54, replaces Phil Anson, founder of EVOL frozen foods, who had been serving as interim general manager for the Boulder segment.

In January, Pinnacle Foods (NYSE:PF) completed its $710 million acquisition of Boulder Brands Inc. — owner of the Glutino, Udi’s Gluten Free, Earth Balance, Level Life and Smart Balance brands. In December 2013, Boulder Brands bought Phil’s Fresh Foods LLC, owner of EVOL Foods, for $48 million.

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Pinnacle did not respond to a request for information on how large an operation it is maintaining in Boulder, but in August, the company said it planned to move production of Evol frozen foods to Fayetteville, sometime during the first quarter of 2017. The move would wipe out 85 local jobs at Evol’s production facility in Boulder.

Allen has 20 years of experience in the food industry, including focus in the natural, organic and health-forward channels on brands such as Kashi and Morningstar Farms. He joins Pinnacle from the Kellogg Co. where he most recently held the role of president, Morning Foods Division. Prior to that, he was president of the Frozen Foods Division from 2009 to 2013.

Allen joined the Kellogg Co. in 1997 and progressed through various leadership roles in marketing, innovation and general management. Before joining Kellogg, Allen worked in marketing and advertising.

 

BOULDER — Michael E. Allen, a food-industry veteran with experience leading health and wellness brands, has taken over leadership at New Jersey-based Pinnacle Foods Inc.’s operations in Boulder.

Allen, 54, replaces Phil Anson, founder of EVOL frozen foods, who had been serving as interim general manager for the Boulder segment.

In January, Pinnacle Foods (NYSE:PF) completed its $710 million acquisition of Boulder Brands Inc. — owner of the Glutino, Udi’s Gluten Free, Earth Balance, Level Life and Smart Balance brands. In December 2013, Boulder Brands bought Phil’s Fresh Foods LLC, owner of EVOL Foods, for $48 million.

Pinnacle did not respond to a request…

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