Danone’s Nutricia acquires special needs business Real Food Blends

French dairy giant Danone’s specialized nutrition division Nutricia has acquired Real Food Blends, a company that makes meals for people with feeding tubes.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Real Food Blends was founded by a couple – Julie Bombacino and Tony Bombacino in 2012, who were inspired by their young tube-fed son, AJ.

Julie and Tony Bombacino said: “The Real Food Blends mission is personal for us and for the individuals and families who rely on our products. We want to advance the mission and impact of the company, to help even more people like AJ.

“After millions of meals sold, the Real Food Blends portfolio still utilizes simple, real ingredients and 100% real food. We found in Nutricia a trusted, like-minded, and experienced company that will continue to innovate, support and introduce blended meals to nourish people in need.”

According to Nutricia, Real Food Blends is the only firm that exclusively focuses on real-food products in the US tube-feeding market that is worth more than $1 billion.

The meals prepared by Real Food Blends are said to be free of corn syrup and preservatives, besides being shelf-stable, and covered by various insurance plans.

Robert Schnurr – CEO of Nutricia North America said: “We are excited to continue to grow the Real Food Blends mission and portfolio, to bring even more unique and nutritious options to children and adults with feeding tubes.

“Nutricia understands the critical role that food can play in improving the lives of people with special medical conditions. We are committed to preserving and building on what has made Real Food Blends so valued in the lives of the people who rely on their products, and their families.”