CORE Foodservice acquires The Culinary Edge to expand leadership in foodservice innovation

CORE Foodservice, a premier foodservice sales agency in North America and part of the Acosta Group agency collective, has announced its acquisition of The Culinary Edge (TCE), a leading food and beverage innovation consultancy in America. This strategic move aims to strengthen CORE Foodservice’s position in the foodservice industry, particularly within the chain restaurant segment.

Travis King, president of CORE Foodservice in North America, emphasized the value of TCE’s capabilities, stating, “TCE’s leading-edge capabilities will be a huge asset to our roster of premier food and beverage clients and will help to further strengthen our own capabilities in the chain segment.” The acquisition is set to enhance CORE Foodservice’s offerings, providing top chain restaurants with strategic support and access to TCE’s comprehensive services, including restaurant creation, product and menu development, brand identity, and operational design.

Graham Humphreys, CEO of The Culinary Edge, highlighted the significance of the acquisition for the industry, noting, “This is a transformational time for our industry, and we need a new kind of innovation agency with the scale and skill to navigate it.” He further added that the merger will bring TCE’s innovative services closer to clients across the U.S., supported by CORE Foodservice’s culinary team and facilities, and enhanced by Acosta Group’s advanced analytics and consumer insights.

Founded in 2002 by award-winning chef Aaron Noveshen, TCE has been at the forefront of food and beverage innovation. Noveshen, who is stepping down from TCE to continue as founder and CEO of Starbird, has been instrumental in shaping the company’s direction and success.

Post-acquisition, both CORE Foodservice and TCE’s leadership and associate teams will remain intact. Humphreys will report directly to King, ensuring continuity and stability within the organization. Brian Wynne, CEO of Acosta Group, expressed commitment to the integration, stating, “Acosta Group is committed to investing in innovative businesses that add complementary capabilities to our agency collective and help accelerate profitable growth for our clients.”