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BONITA SPRINGS, Fla., Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Innovative Food Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: IVFH) (“IVFH” or the “Company”), a national seller of gourmet specialty foods to professional chefs, is pleased to announce an expansion of its airline business with a new first-class cheese program for a major international airline. This marks the first time IVFH has entered this line of business, providing precision-cut portions that require no additional handling at airline catering stations, streamlining service while maintaining an uncompromising level of quality. The Company expects this new business line to deliver approximately $700K in new, incremental revenue during its first year, before including any upside from additional opportunities this new business line unlocks.
Through this new partnership, IVFH will leverage its extensive network of vendors to supply a range of premium cheeses, including whole wheels for catering as well as 0.75 oz cuts made possible by the Company’s automated cutting equipment, which has already more than doubled our volume per labor hour. By leveraging its scale enabled by the recent launch of its new retail business, IVFH is delivering a high-quality product in a labor-efficient format, ensuring a seamless experience from sourcing to onboard service.
“Our ability to bring new solutions to the airline industry reflects the transformation we’ve undergone as a company,” said Bill Bennett, CEO of IVFH. “By streamlining our operations and refocusing on high-growth opportunities, we’ve been able to leverage our specialty foods platform to add new sales channels and diversify our customer base while significantly increasing efficiency. After divesting from unprofitable e-commerce operations in our Mountain Top, Pennsylvania warehouse, we’re now leveraging the same assets, talent, and vendor relationships to build a stronger, more focused business line—one where we’ve doubled both revenue and labor productivity while continuing to expand into strategic foodservice channels. This new airline partnership is a testament to that momentum, as we continue to pursue additional opportunities in this space.”
IVFH’s airline business remains a key growth driver as the Company combines its broad-based sourcing, access to artisanal products, 3PL storage and drop-ship capabilities, and custom cutting and packaging solutions to meet evolving customer needs. The Company continues to participate in multiple airline menu planning cycles, creating opportunities for new item placements and expanded partnerships in the years ahead.