Whitmore Lake, Michigan (September 24, 2021) – Forty years after founding Al Dente Pasta Company, Monique and Dennis Deschaine have announced its sale to Alb-Gold, a family-owned pasta manufacturer located in the Swabian Alps of southern Germany. “As we began planning for our retirement, we knew there was no finer company in which to entrust our legacy,” says Monique. “The first time we visited the Alb-Gold factory we were awestruck by their innovation, the quality of their pasta and the values of the Freidler family.”
Pursuing a partnership with Alb-Gold played an integral role in creating a succession plan for the Deschaines. “What we were able to accomplish in collaboration with Alb-Gold over the past three years has exceeded all of our expectations”, says Dennis Deschaine. “It gave us the opportunity to introduce a more extensive variety of pastas, including plant-based, vegan, organic and gluten-free.” Most recently a short-shaped Fusilli was added to the wildly successful Carba-Nada line. “Even more exciting, new products are planned for 2021,” he added.
Alb-Gold has been at the forefront of the pasta industry since 1968. Set in a picturesque valley, their factory, restaurant and gardens draw more than 300,000 tourists a year. Recognized for their focus on sustainability, Alb-Gold sources the finest, non-GMO ingredients including cage-free eggs, organic flours and high protein durum wheat.
With the change in ownership comes a new ability to invest in capacity and capabilities in the local market. In the short term, customers and consumers may find “Made In Germany” statements on the back of an Al Dente package, but Deschaine assures pasta-enthusiasts everywhere that the experience they have with any Al Dente product will be the same fresh-tasting pasta deliciousness whether it is made in Michigan or in Germany.
“It’s been an amazing journey,” says Monique as she steps into retirement. “Having had the privilege of working with so many incredible people is what I will miss the most. Now, as I pass the “pasta torch” to a new and capable team, it will be exciting to watch where they lead Al Dente.”
Co-founder Dennis Deschaine will be stepping back from the day-to-day operational role he has held but will continue to maintain relationships with industry partners and serve in an advisory capacity on the company’s board. Julie Dunmire has been hired as the company’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. She comes to the team with 20 years of food manufacturing experience at familiar brands such as Nestlé and Kettle Brand Potato Chips.
“It’s an exciting time to be at Al Dente Pasta”, says Dunmire. “Monique and Dennis have built an amazing brand and I am honored that they have trusted me to lead the fantastic team they have in place.” She adds, “Al Dente has always been about bringing on-trend flavors to the specialty pasta market. I am looking forward to continuing this tradition of creating and launching delicious pastas by using sustainable business practices that lead to future growth.”
About Al Dente Pasta Company
For 40 years, Al Dente Pasta Company has been producing artisanal-style pasta in Southeast Michigan. Al Dente delivers a variety of authentic, home-style pasta renowned for its fresh taste and quick cooking time. By pairing a focus on quality and innovation with passion and perseverance, this family-owned enterprise has built its reputation strictly via word-of-mouth, and today is found at fine retailers nationwide.
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