Frontenac Partners with Prime Foods and Chan & Chan to Expand Asian Food Offerings

In a move to meet the growing demand for authentic Asian cuisine, Frontenac has partnered with Prime Food Processing and Chan & Chan, Inc. (CCI Prime), a well-established Asian food manufacturing business. Led by President and Founder Albert Chan, along with industry veteran Howard Eirinberg, the partnership aims to introduce a wider range of authentic Asian dishes to mainstream retail consumers while maintaining the highest quality standards. With the Asian cuisine category experiencing rapid growth, this collaboration is set to bring innovation and authenticity to the forefront of the market.

Prime Foods has been serving U.S. consumers with Asian food for over 30 years. With a strong focus on the Asian grocery channel, the brand has become known for its authentic Cantonese flavors and premium quality. Their commitment to innovation and authenticity has earned them a loyal customer following nationwide. The Asian cuisine category is one of the fastest-growing frozen food categories, with consumers seeking innovative, authentic, and top-quality foods. CCI Prime was built upon delivering just that - authentic flavors and unique dishes. To meet the increasing demand, Albert Chan, the Chan family, and the CCI Prime team have invested in a state-of-the-art facility that can cater to the needs of new and existing customers.

Howard Eirinberg, Chairman1ST partner and food industry veteran, commented, "Albert has dedicated 30 years to building these companies, and now he is seeking a partner to help him reach a wider audience. The company and brands have developed a strong reputation in the ethnic foods channel. We believe that there is an opportunity to expand the reach of his products and bring them to many more consumers to enjoy."

Albert Chan, Founder & President of CCI Prime, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, "I am excited to partner with Howard and the Frontenac team as we embark on the next stage of growth for CCI Prime. We believe Howard's industry experience, combined with Frontenac's track record of partnering with food businesses, makes them the perfect partner for us."

Betsy Williamson, Managing Director at Frontenac, added, "Albert is an incredibly talented entrepreneur who has built an impressive business. There is a demand for authentic Asian cuisine across multiple channels, and we believe CCI Prime is well-positioned to meet this demand given its new facility and loyal employees. We look forward to working alongside Albert and his team to drive continued success at CCI Prime."

Frontenac is a Chicago-based private equity firm that focuses on investing in lower-middle-market buyout transactions in the consumer, industrial, and services industries. The firm works closely with established operating leaders through an executive-centric approach called CEO1ST. This approach aims to identify, acquire, and build market-leading companies through transformational acquisitions and operational excellence. With over 50 years of experience, Frontenac has worked with more than 300 mid-sized businesses, helping them address complex transition issues and achieve growth and success.

Prime Food Processing and Chan & Chan, Inc. (CCI Prime) are manufacturers and importers of Chinese and Asian-style products, including Chinese sausages, dumplings, and other Asian products. With over 30 years of experience, the companies have established themselves as leaders in the industry. Prime Foods is known for its range of dumplings, bao buns, soupy pork dumplings, and numerous other products, primarily sold through specialty ethnic markets.

The partnership between Frontenac, Prime Foods, and Chan & Chan, Inc. is set to bring a new wave of authentic Asian cuisine to mainstream retail consumers. With their dedication to quality and innovation, and the expertise of industry veterans, the expansion of Asian food offerings is sure to delight food lovers across the country. As demand for diverse and authentic flavors continues to rise, this partnership is well-positioned to meet the needs of the growing market.