Chocolate Inn/Taylor & Grant (asi/44900) announced Monday that it completed the acquisition of the assets of Chicago-based A La Carte (asi/30350). The deal marks the first major strategic growth initiative by Chocolate Inn/Taylor & Grant since their merger in 2011. Financial terms of the deal were not released. “We are extremely excited to announce the acquisition,” said David Miller, president of Chocolate Inn / Taylor & Grant.

A big reason for the excitement is that, through the deal, Chocolate Inn/Taylor & Grant has expanded its offerings to include new flexographic printing, custom candy imprinting and more die-cutting capabilities. In addition, the supplier firm will be adding a range of new products, such as customizable multi-color bags in a range of sizes, fortune cookies, mini roll mints and more. Overall, Chocolate Inn/Taylor & Grant expects to bolster its food gift product line this year with more than 75 new items from A La Carte.

“We believe that our distributor customers will benefit from the growing product assortment,” said Miller. “And, we look forward to servicing and interacting with the A La Carte customers and introducing them to the expanded offerings of the Chocolate Inn/Taylor & Grant family.”

Mike Shulkin, A La Carte’s president, is joining Chocolate Inn/Taylor & Grant as Midwest regional sales manager. “Adding A La Carte products and capabilities to the Chocolate Inn/Taylor & Grant product line will give us the most extensive food and candy line in the industry,” said Shulkin.