A pair of regional and national industry heavyweights is negotiating a change in ownership for a Blackfoot plant.
Nonpareil Farms is selling the plant to Basic American Foods of Walnut Creek, Calif. Basic American has operated in eastern Idaho for more than 50 years.
It could take eight to 10 weeks to complete the transaction, Nonpareil says.
Nonpareil plans to focus on fresh produce. Nonpareil began distributing fresh potatoes, berries and apples under the Betty Crocker name in 2011.
Started in New York City in 1946, Nonpareil is now headquartered in Blackfoot.
According to its website, Basic American's flagship food products are Potato Pearls instant mashed potatoes, Golden Grill hash browns, Savory Series scalloped potatoes, and Santiago brand black beans, refried beans and Quick-Start Chili.
The company has the food service industry's No. 1 share in the prepared mashed potato category, according to its website.
Basic Foods has been family-owned since 1933 and grows potatoes in Idaho, Washington and North Dakota with manufacturing plants in Blackfoot, Rexburg, Shelley and Moses Lake, Wash. Idaho Falls has been the company's distribution headquarters since 1979.
