Legacy Bakehouse, a prominent contract and private-label manufacturer of baked snacks based in Wisconsin, has made a significant move in the snack food industry by acquiring Mannon Specialty Foods, Inc., operating under the name Classic Cookie. This esteemed company is recognized for its premium cookie products and is located in Sevierville, Tennessee.

This strategic acquisition enhances Legacy Bakehouse’s baking categories and expands its geographic footprint while integrating a well-established retail brand with national distribution capabilities. Notably, this marks Legacy’s second bakery acquisition within a six-month timeframe, following the acquisition of the production site and assets of Angelic Bakehouse in July 2024.

Founded in 1984, Classic Cookie has built a strong reputation for its high-quality cookies, which are distributed through major retailers such as Walmart, as well as various national and regional distribution partners. The company operates a state-of-the-art commercial bakery in Sevierville, spanning 50,000 square feet, which has recently undergone expansion to keep pace with its continuous and robust growth.

Legacy Bakehouse itself boasts a rich history of 107 years in the manufacturing of baked snacks and snack components. Its product line includes an array of popular items, such as pita chips, tortillas, rye chips, garlic chips, and breadsticks. The company serves a diverse clientele, which includes leading brands, emerging brands, and private labels. In 2023, Legacy was acquired by Benford Capital Partners (BCP), further strengthening its position in the market.

“The acquisition of Classic Cookie represents a major advancement for Legacy Bakehouse, significantly enhancing our baked snacks capabilities, production capacity, market reach, and customer base,” stated Alain Vallet-Sandre, Chief Commercial Officer at Legacy Bakehouse. “By integrating our contract-manufacturing and private-label capabilities with Classic Cookie’s robust sales channels, we can now extend our salty and savory snacking platform to include sweet offerings. This development increases Legacy’s appeal as a partner to a wider spectrum of customers.”

This acquisition not only broadens Legacy’s bakery categories but also adds a respected brand with established retail distribution to its portfolio. Additionally, it introduces diverse cookie and brownie production capabilities into Legacy’s contract-manufacturing and private-label product lines. The Sevierville facility will represent the third production site in Legacy’s expanding production network, further supporting its growth strategy.

“Acquiring Classic Cookie is a strategically sound decision that aligns with our evolving baking platform,” remarked Brian Behm, Principal at Benford Capital Partners. “Classic Cookie’s primary distribution channels—including national retail, vending, contract manufacturing, private label, and fundraising—are complementary to Legacy’s existing operations, allowing for greater synergy and operational efficiency.”

This acquisition signifies Legacy Bakehouse’s commitment to expanding its product offerings and enhancing its market presence. By integrating Classic Cookie’s established brand and production capabilities, Legacy is poised to meet the growing consumer demand for quality baked snacks while reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry.

As the snack food market continues to evolve, Legacy Bakehouse’s acquisition strategy highlights the company’s proactive approach to capturing new opportunities and driving growth. The combination of Legacy’s extensive experience and Classic Cookie’s premium product offerings creates a compelling narrative for both companies as they navigate the competitive landscape of baked goods.

In conclusion, the integration of Classic Cookie into the Legacy Bakehouse family represents a significant milestone that will undoubtedly enhance the company’s capabilities and offerings. With a shared vision for innovation and quality, Legacy Bakehouse is well-equipped to expand its reach and continue delivering exceptional products to its diverse customer base.