Discover your next big idea in food packaging & processing this Sept.
Experience a breakthrough in food packaging & processing—explore solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries at PACK EXPO Las Vegas.
REGISTER TODAY & SAVE

How to Assimilate Acquisitions Into Strategies, Processes, Culture, Manufacturing Operations

As CPGs continue a pattern of growth through acquisition, it’s important to keep in mind how the two companies will come together. Conagra shares some lessons learned.

Op X Intel Image

In the second quarter of 2023, the consumer goods sector witnessed merger and acquisition deals worth $43 billion—a growth of 45% over the previous quarter and 7.9% over Q2 of 2022, according to a recent report from Global Data. In terms of volume, there were 537 M&A deals recorded in Q2 2023.

The CPG industry continues its pattern of growth through acquisition, some very notable. In August, for example, Campbell’s announced its acquisition of Sovos Brands. Last year, Hershey acquired Dots Pretzels and Pretzels Inc.

Deals are not always this sizeable. But large or small, all must address the assimilation of the acquisition into the company’s strategies, processes, culture, and manufacturing operations.

A major deal took place in 2018 as Conagra acquired Pinnacle Foods. It was significant in many ways—ranging from the number of plants to the thousands of people involved to the strategic impact on product offerings. 

FSO Institute asked Mark Cacciatore, former senior vice president of operations at Conagra, to share his insights and lessons learned about Conagra’s acquisition of Pinnacle Foods. Cacciatore had an active role on the company’s senior leadership team to guide the assimilation of Pinnacle into its desired goals.

FSO Institute: Mark, would you please provide some context on the scale of Conagra’s acquisition of Pinnacle so that the reader will have some appreciation of the magnitude of this effort?

Mark Cacciatore: Conagra’s major acquisition of Pinnacle Foods occurred in October 2018 and was widely reported in the industry and business press. Strategically, Conagra assessed several opportunities that would add value to our business and shareholder value. 

Researched List: Engineering Services Firms
Looking for engineering services? Our curated list features 100+ companies specializing in civil, process, structural, and electrical engineering. Many also offer construction, design, and architecture services. Download to access company names, markets served, key services, contact information, and more!
Download Now
Researched List: Engineering Services Firms
Break out of the ordinary: see what’s new in food packaging & processing
<strong>At PACK EXPO Las Vegas you’ll see machinery in action and new tech from 2,300 suppliers, collaborate with experts and explore transformative solutions. Join us this September to experience a breakthrough in food packaging and processing.</strong>
REGISTER NOW AND SAVE!
Break out of the ordinary: see what’s new in food packaging & processing