---

Industrial Opportunity Partners Invests in Charcuterie Artisans

Share This Article

EVANSTON, Ill., September 9, 2025-- Industrial Opportunity Partners (“IOP”), an operations-focused private equity firm based in Evanston, Ill., today announced the recapitalization of Charcuterie Artisans (“Charcuterie” or the “Company”), parent company of Creminelli Fine Meats and Daniele. The move is designed to accelerate Charcuterie’s growth in one of the fastest-growing segments of the specialty meat industry. Backed by significant new investment, the Company will expand capabilities, strengthen customer partnerships, and drive innovation across its portfolio of premium Italian-style meats.

Charcuterie Artisans is a leading producer of high-quality, specialty Italian charcuterie and dried cured meats, including prosciutto, salami, mortadella, pancetta, and coppa among others. The Company primarily goes to market under its two brands, Creminelli Fine Meats and Del Duca, and can be found in retailers and grocery outlets throughout North America. In addition, the Company provides private label and contract manufacturing for leading retailers and brands.

An investment fund managed by IOP acquired the assets of the Company and assumed majority ownership control. IOP’s partners in the capital structure include Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., Sandton Capital Partners, LP and Contrarian Capital Management, L.L.C. Further, as part of the transaction, the Company also secured a new working capital facility provided by PNC Business Credit. The transaction will strengthen the Company’s financial position and create a sustainable, long-term capital structure for its next phase of growth. The transaction eliminated approximately $200 million of debt and provides meaningful liquidity to Charcuterie to pursue capital investments, growth and value creation initiatives, and significantly enhances the Company’s ability to serve its customers.

To lead Charcuterie’s next phase of growth, long-time meat industry executive Jeff “Trip” Tripician has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer. Tripician’s career includes senior leadership roles with Perdue Premium Meats, Niman Ranch, Coleman Natural and Teton Waters Ranch.

“I’m excited to be joining a market leader in the premium specialty meats space in Charcuterie Artisans,” said Jeff Tripician, new President and CEO of Charcuterie Artisans. “The Company has a strong foundation with excellent products and capabilities, and with its new capital structure and liquidity I believe we will unlock tremendous potential for growth. I look forward to working with the entire Charcuterie Artisans team and our customers, suppliers, and passionate consumers to reinvigorate the Company’s brands and operations.”

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Charcuterie Artisans team. The Company produces innovative, great tasting, artisanal charcuterie meats, and we look forward to bolstering that legacy through the substantially improved balance sheet and the operational resources IOP brings to the table,” said Kyle Kirk, Director at IOP. “We look forward to supporting the management team in consistently delivering high-quality products and service to customers and driving value through growth and operational initiatives.” IOP Operating Principal Phil Fioravante will assume the role of Chairman at Charcuterie.

The acquisition of Charcuterie represents the seventh platform investment for IOP’s fourth fund, Industrial Opportunity Partners IV, L.P. Winston & Strawn LLP provided legal representation to IOP in the transaction.

About Charcuterie Artisans

Charcuterie Artisans is a leading provider of premium specialty charcuterie and fine meats. The Company primarily goes to market under the Creminelli Fine Meats and Del Duca brands and can be found in leading retailers and grocery outlets throughout North America. In addition, the Company provides private label and contract manufacturing for retailers and brands. With roots extending back to 1945, Charcuterie Artisans has a deep track record of developing and producing innovative, on-trend premium meats. The Company is headquartered in Mapleville, R.I. and has 650,000 square feet of USDA and SQF certified manufacturing space across its two manufacturing locations in Mapleville, R.I. and Salt Lake City, Utah. To learn more, please visit www.charcuterie.com.

About Industrial Opportunity Partners

IOP, an Evanston, Ill.-based private equity firm with over $1.5 billion of committed capital since inception, is dedicated to creating value through investing in manufacturing and value-added distribution businesses with sales between $50 million and $500 million. IOP focuses on businesses with strong product, customer, and market positions, and provides management and operational resources to support sales and earnings growth at its businesses. For more information, visit IOP’s website at www.iopfund.com.

News Index

---