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Verde Valle Foods has acquired A Dozen Cousins, a brand recognised for its ready-to-eat beans, rice and seasoning sauces inspired by traditional Creole, Caribbean and Latin American cuisines. This acquisition aims to strengthen Verde Valle's position in the growing market for convenient, culturally authentic food products.

Founded in 2019 by Ibraheem Basir, A Dozen Cousins has carved out a niche in the ready-to-eat segment by offering products that emphasise both nutrition and cultural heritage. The brand's seasoned beans and innovative rice cooked in bone broth have gained traction, with the latter experiencing double-digit growth over the past year, contrasting with stagnant sales in the broader prepared rice category.

Basir said: “I couldn't be more excited to partner with the team at Verde Valle. They are trailblazers in the world of pouched meals, and they are going to dramatically strengthen the supply chain and make it easier to share our products with more people. At the same time, we will be able to invest more in innovation and marketing to continue building a brand that people love.”

Germán Rosales Jr, CEO of Verde Valle Foods, added: “A Dozen Cousins fits right into our growth strategy for ready-to-eat meals in a pouch and will allow Verde Valle to further expand into the natural products segment. We are thrilled to have Ibraheem join our business, we can’t wait to work collaboratively and continue to bring delicious, natural products to consumers across the country.”

Ibraheem Basir will remain with A Dozen Cousins as general manager, ensuring continuity in leadership and vision. His experience and commitment to maintaining high ingredient standards are expected to play a crucial role in the brand's integration into Verde Valle's operations. Basir's insights into consumer preferences for authentic, nutritious foods will be instrumental as the company seeks to innovate and expand its product offerings.

Verde Valle Foods, a subsidiary of the family-owned Verde Valle founded in 1967, has established itself as a leader in the production of rice, beans and ready-to-eat meals. The company is known for its commitment to using high-quality ingredients sourced from the US, Mexico and beyond. This acquisition is anticipated to enhance Verde Valle’s supply chain capabilities, enabling A Dozen Cousins to reach a broader audience while maintaining its commitment to quality.

The integration of A Dozen Cousins into Verde Valle Foods is expected to foster innovation, particularly in the ready-to-eat meals segment. As consumer demand for convenient yet authentic meal solutions continues to rise, this acquisition positions Verde Valle to capitalise on these trends.