The Chesterton-specialty firm which developed a unique line of foods for people required to eat through feeding tubes now is part of a larger global organization.
Nutricia, part of the Paris-based food, beverage, and nutrition company Danone, announced Oct. 21 it has purchased Real Food Blends, launched by Julie and Tony Bombacino in 2012.
“The Real Food Blends mission is personal for us and for the individuals and families who rely on our products,” said Julie and Tony Bombacino, founders of Real Food Blends. “We want to advance the mission and impact of the company to help even more people like (our son) AJ.”
The Bombacinos said after millions of meals sold, its products still utilize simple, real ingredients and 100% real food.
“We found in Nutricia a trusted, like-minded, and experienced company that will continue to innovate, support and introduce blended meals to nourish people in need,” The Bombacinos said. Nutricia said the couple will remain with the company.
The Bombacinos grew their business from helping their son AJ who was tube fed, and a belief that all people deserve real food. The couple was recognized as Small Business Persons of the Year as part of the 2019 Entrepreneurial Excellence (E-Day) Awards presented by the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center.
Nutricia said it shares Real Food Blends’ commitment to bring life-changing, and lifesaving, nutrition solutions to people. Nutricia operates as part of Danone’s specialized nutrition business.
The addition of Real Food Blends is expected to help Nutricia expand in the more than $1 billion tube-feeding market, according to industry estimates. Nutricia has served the nutrition sector for more than 120 years, with brands such as Neocate, Phenylade, Pro-Stat and KetoCal.
“We are excited to continue to grow the Real Food Blends mission and portfolio, to bring even more unique and nutritious options to children and adults with feeding tubes,” said Robert Schnurr, CEO of Nutricia North America. “Nutricia understands the critical role that food can play in improving the lives of people with special medical conditions (and) we are committed to preserving and building on what has made Real Food Blends so valued in the lives of the people who rely on their products, and their families.”
