Sargento Foods acquired California-based La Terra Fina, a dairy dips and quiches producer, to expand beyond its core cheese business into grocery store deli departments. The acquisition closed in late September and strengthens Sargento's product offerings across North America.
- Sargento Foods signed a definitive agreement to acquire La Terra Fina, a California-based producer of dairy dips, spreads, quiches, and refrigerated salads
- La Terra Fina, founded in 1983, operates a 100,000-square-foot facility near San Francisco with approximately 250 employees
- The acquisition provides Sargento entry into grocery deli departments nationwide and expands distribution to club stores, supermarkets, and specialty retailers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
- Popular La Terra Fina products include Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip, Classic Lorraine Quiche, and Cheddar & Broccoli Quiche
- Sargento, a family-owned company founded in 1953, generated $1.7 billion in net sales and employs over 2,500 people
Update (Oct. 1, 2026): Sargento has completed its acquisition of La Terra Fina. The transaction adds approximately 250 employees to Sargento and expands the company's portfolio into grocery and club deli departments with premium refrigerated dips, spreads, and quiches. As part of the acquisition, Sargento has established a new Deli Business Unit alongside its Consumer Products and Food Service & Ingredients divisions. Erin Price has been named General Manager of the new Deli Business Unit and will oversee the integration of La Terra Fina, while La Terra Fina President and CEO Stephen Cottrell and his leadership team will continue leading the brand under the new organizational structure. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The original July 31, 2026, post follows:
Sargento Foods signed a definitive agreement to acquire California-based La Terra Fina, a producer of dairy-based dips, spreads, quiches, and refrigerated salads.
The acquisition expands Sargento beyond its core natural cheese business and gives the company an entry into the deli department of grocery retailers nationwide. La Terra Fina’s products include Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip, Classic Lorraine Quiche, Cheddar & Broccoli Quiche, Pineapple Habanero Dip, and Orzo Mozzarella & Balsamic Salad.
La Terra Fina, founded in 1983, is based in Union City, Calif., and has approximately 250 employees. The company operates a 100,000-sq-ft facility near San Francisco and produces ready-to-eat refrigerated quiches, dips, and spreads sold in club stores, supermarkets, and specialty grocery retailers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
“Our purpose at Sargento is to find new ways to add value to people’s lives. Every day we do our best to make their lives better with food that brings them together,” says Louie Gentine, Chairman and CEO, Sargento. “For more than 70 years, our commitment to innovation has driven our success that we share with our employees, customers, suppliers and community. We will continue this legacy, by growing the La Terra Fina brand and welcoming new members of the Sargento Family.”
La Terra Fina has been a private affiliate of Catamount Management Corporation since 2015. The sale is targeted to close in late September. Financial terms have not been disclosed.
“This venture reflects the strength of what we’ve built and puts La Terra Fina in a great position for accelerated growth. And what’s even better is that our cultures are genuinely aligned. Sargento puts people first, just as we do,” says Stephen Cottrell, President and CEO, La Terra Fina. “What made us pleased is that Sargento is a family-owned business focused on long-term results, which also fits how we run our business. I’m excited to enter our next chapter focused on growth and innovation. We know our brand is in the best of hands with Sargento.”
Sargento, founded in 1953, is based in Plymouth, Wis., and has more than 2,500 employees and $1.7 billion in net sales. The family-owned company manufactures and markets shredded, sliced, and snack natural cheese products, as well as ingredients.
