Mar 24, 2005 9:01 AM, from staff and wire reports

H J Heinz Co's Foodservice Division has acquired Chicago IL-based Appetizers And Inc (AAI), a manufacturer and marketer of frozen hors d’oeuvres sold almost exclusively to the foodservice industry. Terms of the acquisition were not released.

Heinz’s Foodservice Division, which represents about 42% of Heinz North America’s sales, markets branded and custom products to national commercial and non-commercial food outlets and distributors.

Comprising the Heinz Foodservice frozen portfolio are Chef Francisco frozen soup; Quality Chef ready-to-heat-and-serve soups and entrees; Todds of Irvine CA and Scottsdale AZ fresh-ingredient soups, sauces, and dressings; Seattle’s Truesoups frozen bagged soups; Delimex appetizers and side items; Domani brand pasta; and the frozen dessert businesses Alden Merrell and Dianne’s Gourmet Desserts.