Jun 29, 2005 9:53 AM, from staff and wire reports

Secaucus NJ-based White Toque Inc, an importer of frozen specialty foods from Europe, intends to create a network of retail stores and distribution centers (DCs) across the United States.

Through its White Toque Retail LLC division, the firm currently operates three stores in Secaucus, Berkley Heights, and Westwood NJ. With between 1,200 and 1,500 square feet of space, these stores sell more than 300 products; another 150 should be released within two years.

The company initially plans to open 20 to 25 "neighborhood stores" in the New York metropolitan area, according to owner Didier Amiel. White Toque currently imports 10,000 tons of frozen specialty food a year and has direct sales to 250-plus US distributors. It runs two DCs, 12 contracted warehouses, and six branch sales offices throughout the nation.