Supplier Hospitality Mints (PPAI 113524), headquartered in Boone, North Carolina, has been acquired by El Paso, Texas-based Mount Franklin Foods, LLC, the parent company of Sunrise Confections, Azar Nut Company and Mount Franklin Nutritionals.

Mount Franklin Foods manufactures a variety of candy and nut products including gummies, jellies, brittles, organic chocolates, nuts and fruit snacks for the retail and food service industries. The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, is effective immediately and the company has stated that production of Hospitality Mints will remain in Boone.

Hospitality Mints has been in business for more than 40 years and produces a wide range of soft and hard mints and candies, including soft butter mints, pastels, peppermints, jellies and ice crystals, as well as the Party Sweets brand of mint items sold at retailers nationwide.

“As part of our continued effort to strategically grow and diversify our business, the acquisition of Hospitality Mints will enable us to expand our overall sales and product offerings in both the retail and foodservice markets,” says Gary Ricco, president and CEO of Mount Franklin Foods. “We look forward to bringing the synergies of our two heritage organizations together to deliver a full portfolio of items, including mints, to our customers.”

Pat Viancourt, president of Hospitality Mints, adds, “We are excited to become part of the Mount Franklin Foods family. Our two organizations share a long history with a long-term quality reputation in the retail and foodservice industries and our combined strengths will deliver even greater efficiencies, innovation and value for our customers and employees."