Harvest Food Group, a frozen food producer based in the United States, has named Amit Pandhi, former CEO of Velocity Snack Brands, as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Earlier this year, the Illinois-based company located in Naperville was acquired by the U.S. private-equity firm Industrial Opportunity Partners.
Pandhi’s most recent operational role involved serving as the CEO of Velocity Snack Brands, a U.S.-based snacks business, where he oversaw a portfolio of brands, including Popchips.
As per Pandhi’s LinkedIn profile, he occupied the role from October 2019 to December 2022. Before that, he served as the President and CEO of Arctic Zero, a low-calorie frozen dessert maker, for a span of nine years.
Harvest Food Group’s Chairman, Norman Young, emphasized that Pandhi possesses a “demonstrated history of fostering growth and innovation in the food industry.”
Harvest Food Group provides frozen vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, and herbs to food manufacturers. Additionally, the company serves foodservice operators and engages in co-packing and private-label contracts.
“HFG makes incredible products across so many verticals and I look forward to building upon its long history to grow our private label, foodservice, contract manufacturing, branded and ingredient businesses,” Pandhi said.
“I also look forward to deepening our relationships with existing customers, from the largest retailers and best global food companies, as well as serving the most innovative emerging brands in frozen,” he said.
Jason Eckert, who co-founded HFG in 1999 will move from his role as president to board member. He said, “Amit will infuse a new source of energy and expand the vision for what HFG can become. His experience in building organizations and maximising growth and profitability will help position Harvest Food Group to tackle the challenges that our industry faces heading into the future.”
