Riviana Strikes Deal for Specialty Grains and Rice Supplier

Rice products processor and marketer Riviana Foods entered into a definitive agreement to acquire premium specialty rice, quinoa, and grains producer InHarvest Inc., growing the firm’s geographic footprint and expanding its position in several end markets.

“The acquisition of the InHarvest business is an excellent fit and consistent with our strategic plan in the specialty value-added rice, quinoa, and grains market,” Riviana’s CEO and president Enrique Zaragoza said in a statement. “We are excited about this expansion as we also look forward to welcoming InHarvest’s employees to the Riviana team.”

Under the terms of the proposed transaction, Riviana will take on two InHarvest production facilities in California. The deal would also bolster the company’s position in the food service, ingredients/industrial, and retail/private label markets.

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. Riviana and InHarvest expect the sale to close in April.

Last year Riviana sold most of its dry pasta business to Post Holdings-owned private brand food products manufacturer 8^th Avenue Food & Provisions Inc.