Busier lives offer room for growth at Blount

6TH PLACE 
CEO (or equivalent):  Todd Blount, president 2013 REVENUE: $151 million 2011 REVENUE: $117 million REVENUE GROWTH: 29%
6TH PLACE CEO (or equivalent): Todd Blount, president 2013 REVENUE: $151 million 2011 REVENUE: $117 million REVENUE GROWTH: 29%

As lives become ever-more hectic due to family, work and social demands, consumers are increasingly seeking out simple solutions for their meals.
Capitalizing on the trend is Blount Fine Foods, a multigenerational manufacturer of specialty soups, side dishes, sauces, entrees and desserts for both retail and food service. With more than 125 years in the local seafood industry, the Fall River-headquartered company reshifted its focus in the late 1990s upon recognizing the incredible potential in prepared foods.
“People want the convenience,” said company President Todd Blount. “Cooking at home has taken on a whole new meaning. It’s [now] preparing at home.”
The company, which manufactures in Warren, has consistently experienced high year-over-year percentage revenue growth, Blount said, most recently, 29 percent between 2011 and 2013.
Retail is its most significant market, with Blount manufacturing its own made-to-order label products as well as private label for stores, and also products sold under the Panera Bread brand. But the restaurant side of the business is also poised for growth, Blount said, because equipment upgrades and expansions to its facility have made it “large enough so that we can compete with national chains.”
The integration of more prepared food by supermarkets has also been a boon, with Blount offering hot-to-go soups, and expanding into sides, entrees and desserts. Last year, it also created a single-serve soup cup for convenience stores.
Ultimately, though, food doesn’t just sell itself, Blount stressed.
“At the end of the day,” he said, “it’s the people and the team that are behind the growth.”

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