The Campbell Soup Co. Tuesday announced plans to purchase a Michigan food maker for $231 million.
Garden Fresh Gourmet in Ferndale will become part of Campbell's Fresh division.
Fans of Garden Fresh's salsa, hummus and tortilla chips don't need to worry, though.
Campbell doesn't plan to change the recipes that made Garden Fresh famous.
Todd Putman, the brand's new general manager, said the move is part of Campbell's strategy to stay on top of customer trends toward snack foods and healthier products.
"Garden Fresh [is] an authentic brand that's all about healthy snacking," he said. "This deal is a great opportunity."
Putman said the company plans to keep nearly all of Garden Fresh's 500 employees.
In a statement on the company's website, co-founder Jack Aronson said he's "thrilled" Garden Fresh is joining Campbell.
"[Campbell shares] our commitment to crafting authentic, great-tasting products using high-quality ingredients," Aronson said. "We will continue to be the brand you fell in love with."
Aronson will stay on as an advisor to the company.
The deal is expected to close by the end of the 2015 fiscal year.
