Rich Products Corp., Buffalo, N.Y., announced plans to acquire GLP Free Manufacturing of Grand Island, N.Y. The acquisition of GLP, a gluten-free baking company, furthers Rich’s investment and growth in western New York while continuing to build its healthful products portfolio.

Rich Products is a leading supplier to foodservice, in-store and retail bakeries. GLP’s current product line includes individually packaged frozen brownies, cookies, crispy treats and an Italian sandwich roll. GLP is currently selling to national foodservice accounts and a number of Buffalo-based stores.
Susan Daubney, president of GLP, joined Rich Products as a product specialist for gluten-free products and will continue to lead further development in all-natural products. Product manufacturing will continue out of Grand Island until the product line is permanently transitioned to a dedicated gluten-free line at an existing Rich’s facility.

In other news, Rich Products Corp. and The Schwan Food Co., Marshall, Minn., have entered into an in-store bakery pie alliance.

“This alliance will enable Rich’s to offer not only its own line of products, but also Schwan’s Mrs. Smith’s® line of fruit, custard, and crème pies in both ready-to-bake and fully baked/domed formats,” said Ray Burke, president, Rich Products In-Store Bakery Division, in a company release.

Specific terms of the partnership, effective April 2, 2007, were not disclosed.