US-based Milne Fruit Products has announced the acquisition of fruit ingredient processor Valley Processing’s assets for an undisclosed sum.

According to the deal, Milne acquired Valley Processing’s puree production facilities, juice manufacturing units, and freezer and cold storage facilities in Sunnyside.

The acquisition of these facilities is said to be the second major expansion for Milne over the past two years.

Milne Fruit Products president Michael Sorenson said: “This acquisition brings a lot of synergy to Milne’s existing product line, as well as a few new items we currently don’t offer.

“The added capacity ensures we can continue to grow with our customers and maintain the high standard of quality and service they expect from Milne.”

In 2018, the company constructed a new vegetable puree processing facility in Prosser, Washington.

This facility produces low acid aseptic vegetable purees such as butternut squash, pumpkin, spinach, kale, corn, carrot, pea, broccoli and zucchini.

Milne further intends to become a fruit and vegetable solutions partner with its full line of not-from-concentrate and concentrated juice and puree offerings.

The company has been in the business since 1956 and is engaged in the production of purees, concentrates and fruit juices.

Its portfolio includes more than 50 ingredient products and custom blends which are supplied to the industrial food ingredient, beverage, and health and wellness markets.

The company has also expanded its product line to include more than 25 different fruits and vegetables.