Crofter's Organic Appoints Tim Jax as CEO: A New Chapter for Organic Jam Giant

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Crofter’s Organic, the largest producer of organic jam, preserves, and spreads in North America, has announced the appointment of Tim Jax as its new CEO. After nearly two decades of experience in the food sector, Jax brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the company. This move comes as the organization seeks to build scale and capitalize on a variety of growth opportunities.

Crofter's Organic, founded in 1989 by Gerhard and Gabi Latka, has grown from a single kettle operation to a highly automated and streamlined, multi-line facility. With products sold at major retailers across the US and Canada, the company has become a household name in the organic food industry. As the largest producer of organic fruit spreads, jams, and preserves in North America, Crofter's Organic has established itself as a leader in the market.

Tim Jax, who will assume the role of CEO on January 2, 2024, boasts an impressive track record in the food industry. His most recent position as Vice President Marketing & Innovation at Pretzels, Inc showcased his ability to lead an innovation-centric transformation. Under his leadership, the Harvest Road brand saw a successful sale to the Hershey Company after launching a variety of new products. With prior experience in brand management at ConAgra Brands and general management at Treehouse Foods, Jax is well-equipped to lead Crofter's Organic into its next chapter.

The retirement of company founder Gerhard Latka in July marked the end of an era. After three decades as President of Crofter’s Organic, Latka stepped down from his position to pursue personal passions. However, his legacy remains firmly intact with his sons Dan and Sebastian still involved in leadership positions within the organization. Dan Latka, Vice President of Sales and Crofter’s Organic board member, expressed pride in what the family has achieved and highlighted the importance of Gerhard's vision in establishing the company's success.

Betsy Williamson, Managing Director at Frontenac, the parent company of Crofter's Organic, spoke highly of Tim Jax's appointment as CEO. She praised his brand and innovation experience, as well as his overall leadership qualities, emphasizing their potential to drive growth and capitalize on opportunities. Chris Wilkins, Chairman of Crofter's Organic, shared Williamson's sentiment, stating that Jax's experience in growing mid-market organizations and Fortune 500 companies makes him an ideal fit for the company's vision.

In response to his appointment, Tim Jax expressed humility and appreciation for the opportunity to lead a company with such a rich history and legacy. He acknowledged the hard work of the employees at Crofter's Organic and their shared goal of reaching new heights. Jax also highlighted the company's commitment to sustainability and making their products accessible to consumers across North America.

Crofter's Organic prides itself on producing a wide variety of organic fruit spreads, jams, and preserves. In addition to its namesake brand, the company also caters to private label and contract customers. Operating out of a highly automated and sustainable production facility in Ontario, Canada, Crofter's Organic is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for organic food products.

Frontenac, the Chicago-based private equity firm that owns Crofter's Organic, specializes in investing in lower middle market buyout transactions. With a focus on the consumer, industrial, and services industries, Frontenac works closely with established operating leaders to acquire and build market-leading companies. Through their CEO1ST™ approach, which prioritizes executive-centric decision-making and operational excellence, Frontenac has garnered a reputation for successfully navigating the complexities of liquidity, management enhancement, and growth planning.

The appointment of Tim Jax as CEO marks an exciting new chapter for Crofter's Organic. With his expertise in brand management, innovation, and growing mid-market companies, Jax is poised to lead the organization into a period of continued success. As the largest producer of organic jam, preserves, and spreads in North America, Crofter's Organic is well-positioned to meet the ever-growing demand for high-quality organic food products.