WARREN, Mich. – On Friday, October 19, Lipari Foods, a leading Midwest food distributor based in Warren, Mich., closed on the acquisition of the Mediterranean food business of Jerusalem Foods, including the Sahtein brand. Jerusalem Foods is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. This opportunity expands Lipari’s product breadth and fulfills another strategic goal for the company.
“Lipari’s strategic position is to be one of the premier “perimeter of the store and specialty grocery distributors in the US.” Thom Lipari, President and CEO of Lipari Foods says: “We are looking forward to the addition of a full ethnic food division with the organization and expanding our current product offerings. Jerusalem Foods is a leader in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern market and combining what they have established with all that Lipari brings to the table means increased value for all of our already diverse customer base.”
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with one of our industry’s leaders. I look forward to bringing our extensive capabilities and experience in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food to support Lipari Foods. This will enable Lipari Foods to represent a broader product selection,” says Ron Batshon, whose father founded the business in 1976.
About Lipari Foods, LLC
Lipari Foods was founded in 1963 by Jim Lipari, who began his career by delivering unique products from the back of his Buick station wagon. Today Lipari Foods is a leading independent “perimeter of the store” distributor in the Midwest, delivering a wide range of quality bakery, dairy, deli, packaging, seafood, meat, specialty grocery, foodservice, confectionery, convenience food and beverage, and health, wellness and beauty products to over 6,000 customers across 14 states.
About Jerusalem Foods
Jerusalem Foods began with the vision of founder Albert Batshon, who owned and operated the highly successful Falafil Palace restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
In 1976, Albert established Jerusalem Foods and his restaurant based production company grew into a 2,000 sq ft facility located in Westland, Michigan. His business and reputation grew, and in 1988 Jerusalem Foods moved to a 15,000 sq ft facility in Redford, Michigan, followed in 2003 by a move to a 70,000 sq ft facility in Dearborn, Michigan.