Gallant Brands, owners of The Original Soupman, the makers of the best-tasting soup in the world, have formed a strategic alliance with Island Fresh Foods LLC, a wholesale food and beverage distributor and manufacturer. Original Soupman is now a 25% owner of Island Fresh. “The alliance will set the Original Soupman on fire by ensuring rapid growth with our combined expertise to truly live our motto, “Soupman-Soup For All,” said Joseph Hagan, President of The Original Soupman.
This new power partnership further strengthens the newly re-structured Original Soupman business model with strong additional proven management experience as well as with expanded manufacturing facilities, more menu choices and expanding distribution for the company. The combined company product and service offerings enhance and diversify Gallant Brands offerings. As a result of this alliance, The Original Soupman dramatically expanded its NYC footprint while creating increased operating efficiencies and margins with superior quality control.
Island Fresh will generate business growth with its network of thousands of customers in the tri-state area. They have served metro New York for over 20 years as the exclusive distributor and ingredient procurement agent for Hale and Hearty Soups. The Original Soupman soup will now be manufactured at the newly purchased Island Fresh facility in the Bronx, NY. The facility can produce at least 100,000 cases per month. “This is just an incredible win-win, and a match made in heaven. Our combined forces will help us bring soups to many more Original Soupman fans,” said Michael DeVito of Island Fresh. The overall Soupman production in cooperation with Island Fresh expands the menu choices for all food service and mass distribution at C-Stores, Colleges and Universities, NYC Schools, Airports, Business, Delivery Services, Restaurants, Franchises, Delis and Sub shops.
The Original Soupman continues to grow its current business model in both foodservice and retail including expansion of the product line into broths, clean label and healthy soups. Additionally Island Fresh will offer marketing support and will wrap their fleet of trucks and vans with The Original Soupman Brand creating further branding exposure. This combined with the refreshed website, e-commerce capabilities and overall social, digital and marketing support will ensure rapid awareness and company growth.
Hagan’s new Management Team /Board of Advisors provides a high level of strategic and tactical planning expertise as the company continues to maximize the value in the Original Soupman brand and company. The New Management Team, comprised of loyal investors and board members who have been part of the company since its inception, have joined forces to ensure that The Original Soupman will be serving up soup to everyone at retail and reaching a growing market of younger consumers who seek comfort food particularly at colleges and convenience stores in both Foodservice and Tetra-Paks.
“We’re not changing. We’re going to be offering the same great variety, and adding new recipes, as well. We have also harnessed the expertise needed to understand and respond to the marketing needs of the brand, and to support our foodservice and retail partners. With the Island Fresh partnership, we have significantly enhanced our distribution capabilities, and will now reach more businesses than ever,” Hagan explained.
To learn more about Original Soupman, visit their website.
