ANDY BOY ASSOCIATES DISSOLVES

AMY I. STICKEL

PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- Andy Boy Associates, a processor of branded fresh produce-based prepared foods, ceased operations last month.

The company, a partnership between RLB Food Distributors, West Caldwell, N.J., and D'Arrigo Bros. of California, New York and Boston, was dissolved little more than a year after its inception.

A spokesman for the joint venture told SN that it was shuttered because investors backed off. In addition, the line was apparently ahead of its time, he said.

"The capital required to move the business ahead was more than the partners were willing to devote," the spokesman told SN.

He declined to say how much capital had been invested in the partnership, but added that the partners "had to spend considerable time and money to develop the line.

"We were ahead of our time, with unique and unusual products," the spokesman said. "Retailers were excited about our products, but they were not sure where to merchandise them, in the produce department, the deli or with other prepared foods."

Rob Bildner, president of RLB Food Distributors, one of the partners, said his company will continue with its own program of value-added produce, including fresh-cut fruit.