Crave Better Foods LLC, the maker of Chipwich ice cream cookie sandwiches, announced the merger of the Solero organic fruit bar business from Iris Brands LLC, Minneapolis, into its operations. The merged businesses will operate out of Crave Better Foods' home base in Cos Cob, Conn.

The transaction will create a partnership between Crave Better Foods and Josh Hochschuler and Steve Gill, the founders of Iris Brands and Talenti Gelato & Sorbetto, Crave Better Foods said. The terms of the combination are not being disclosed.

After their highly successful Talenti business was sold, Hochschuler and Gill launched Solero in 2017. With carefully sourced ingredients and unique, innovative flavors, Solero offeres a 100% organic experience for frozen fruit bar lovers nationwide. In addition, Iris Brands has continued to innovate with frozen fruit pops and cream bars, Crave Better Foods said.

"We are delighted to add the Solero business to our growing company," said David Clarke, CEO of Crave Better Foods. "When we started Crave and relaunched Chipwich, our premise was there would always be consumer demand for strong brands made with elevated ingredients. Solero is a perfect example.

“Josh and Steve have built a business based on that same principle with products unique to the frozen novelty business,” he continued. “We are thrilled to be able to market Solero and Chipwich side by side, and in partnership with Josh & Steve, we will leverage our innovative plans for the future. This combination will bring scale and enhanced opportunities in the frozen novelty space."