SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. — Fuji Food Products, Inc., a fresh food manufacturing division of Meruelo Group and the largest provider and distributor of pre-packaged sushi in the United States, today announced a new manufacturing facility in South Elgin, Illinois and its expansion in the Midwestern United States. Set to be fully operational in December 2014, the 40,000 square foot plant located on Schneider Drive will produce and specialize in fresh, refrigerated, and ready-to-eat meals serving the Midwest with national distribution capabilities.
"Growth and momentum at Fuji has been consistent and continues," said Joe Marchica, CEO of Fuji Food Products. "We've come a long way, beginning as a family business that produced only sushi to regional supermarkets in Southern California, to expanding our business expertise as a fresh food manufacturer serving major supermarket and club chains on a national level. This will be our third owned facility to provide national distribution of our fresh, healthy, organic single-serve and family-size ready-to-eat meals."
"For more than 20 years, Fuji has been providing USDA and FDA-approved foodservice and retail solutions for the changing palate, dietary demands and convenience needs of today's customers. This expansion of our footprint in the Midwest is a testament to Fuji's continued commitment to providing quality product and service," said Humberto Villagomez, COO of Fuji Food Products.
"We look forward to serving the greater Midwest region," said Tom Bulowski, Vice President of Sales for Fuji Food Products. "We hope to continue our growth into the future together with the state of Illinois and the community of South Elgin."
Fuji Foods Fast Facts
- Family business founded in 1990 with headquarters in Santa Fe Springs, California
- In April 2011, Fuji Foods acquired Okami, Inc., a manufacturer of prepackaged sushi and premium gourmet ethnic meals, becoming the largest U.S. provider and distributor of pre-packaged sushi
- Product line diversely ranges from green, grain and noodle salads , fresh seafood salads, sushi, vegetarian burgers and fresh, organic grab and go bowls
- Fuji Food Products services over 6,000 stores across the U.S. and continues to expand into underserved markets
About Fuji Food Products, Inc.
Fuji Food Products, Inc. is a manufacturer of fresh food with a nation-wide footprint. It is the largest manufacturer and distributor of packaged sushi. Our products also include salads, sandwiches & wraps, platters, rice bowls, organic edamame, spring rolls and veggie burgers that can be found in airports, convenience stores and major grocery, club format and retail locations across 45 states. All corporate manufacturing facilities are fully USDA, FDA and GFSI certified. Please visit us www.fujifood.com
About Meruelo Group
Meruelo Group is a privately-held management company serving a diversified portfolio of affiliated entities with interests in banking and financial services, food services; manufacturing, distribution and restaurant operations, construction and engineering, hospitality and gaming, real estate management and development, media; television and radio, and public and private equity investing. For more information please visit www.meruelogroup.com
Source: Fuji Food Products, Inc.
