The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

JM Smucker Co has inaugurated a new 900,000-square-foot facility in McCalla, Alabama, dedicated to the production of its popular Uncrustables brand.

This expansion is part of the company’s strategy to meet the surging demand for the brand's frozen sandwiches, which have rapidly evolved into one of the fastest-growing segments in the food industry.

Uncrustables is a brand of sealed, crustless sandwiches made with a filling between two layers of bread that are crimp-sealed together. Flavours include Strawberry, Grape, Chocolate Hazelnut, Raspberry and Honey, to name a few.

At the opening ceremony, company leadership, including president and CEO Mark Smucker and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, highlighted the facility's role in achieving ambitious sales targets.

Smucker noted that Uncrustables has transformed from a modest $12 million brand to one generating approximately $800 million in annual net sales, with aspirations to reach $1 billion by the end of fiscal year 2026. "This new facility in McCalla represents our commitment to investing in leading brands within attractive categories," he said.

The location is expected to enhance operational efficiencies and improve supply chain logistics, critical factors in the highly competitive food and beverage landscape.

The investment in McCalla is not an isolated effort; it complements previous expansions at Smucker’s manufacturing sites in Scottsville, Kentucky, and Longmont, Colorado.

Over the years, the company has consistently adapted its production capabilities to keep pace with consumer preferences and market trends, employing technological advancements and process innovations to maximise productivity.

Rebecca Scheidler, senior vice president and general manager of frozen handheld and spreads, added: "This new facility and our team in McCalla will play a critical role in the next chapter of our story as we drive and nurture this brand to its full potential".

The Uncrustables brand, launched over two decades ago, has established itself as a staple for families seeking quick meal solutions.

Beyond its operational ambitions, JM Smucker Co is also making strides in community engagement. The McCalla facility is poised to become a significant local employer and has already begun forming partnerships with organisations such as Best Buddies in Alabama and the Community Foodbank of Central Alabama.

The construction of the Uncrustables production facility underscores a broader trend of investment in convenience foods.

JM Smucker in the news

Last month, JM Smucker has agreed to sell its Voortman cookie brand to Second Nature Brands, a US-based snack company owned by CapVest Partners, for approximately $305 million in cash.

The deal includes all Voortman trademarks and Smucker’s leased manufacturing facility in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Approximately 300 employees will transfer to Second Nature Brands.

Voortman was acquired by Smucker as part of its $5.6 billion purchase of Hostess Brands in 2023. Smucker expects to gain $100 million in synergies from the Hostess acquisition by fiscal 2026.

Read more about the Voortman purchase here.

#JMSmucker #Uncrustables #frozenfood #convenience #facility #US