Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods, a manufacturer of plant-based proteins and sustainable seafood products, has appointed Andy Reichgut as CEO.
The Elmwood, New Jersey, U.S.A-based company’s founder, Larry Praeger, has moved into a special advisor role and will remain an active board member of the company, Dr. Praeger’s said in a press release. The Praeger and Somberg families will retain their ownership stake in the company, a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners.
Reichgut has more than 25 years of experience in the packaged food industry, most recently serving as general manager for Violife, a vegan cheese company owned by Upfield. Prior to Violife, Reichgut was executive vice president at New Classic Cooking, where he led the Veggies Made Great business.
"At a time when consumers are searching for healthier and more environmentally-friendly foods, Dr. Praeger's is positioned extraordinarily well to leverage these tailwinds,” Reighgut said. “I look forward to working with the company's strong leadership team along with our partners at Vestar to fulfill the promise of this business."
Reichgurt is “a smart, thoughtful, innovative, and resourceful business leader with a deep appreciation for strengthening organizational capability, and a strong track record of building brands and businesses," Dr. Praeger's Chairman and Vestar Strategic Executive Advisor Jeffrey Ansell said. "I'm excited to work with Andy again, and I'm confident his vast packaged foods experience, including plant-based and better-for-you brands, will set him up for success at Dr. Praeger’s.”
Ansell also thanked Praeger for “his incredible vision and passion for the brand, which experienced transformative growth under his leadership.”
In addition to a wide range of plant-based products, Dr. Praeger’s carries several frozen sustainable seafood products, including Fish Taco Bites, Rice Crusted Fishies, and Crunchy Breaded Fish Sticks.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Praeger’s
