You’ve probably eaten something from Van Law Foods Fullerton without even realizing it. Honestly, that’s kind of the point of their entire business model. Tucked away in a massive 300,000-square-foot facility on Moore Avenue, this company is the silent engine behind some of the most famous sauces and dressings on your grocery store shelves. They don’t put their own name on the front of the bottle. Instead, they’re the "ghostwriters" of the culinary world.
But lately, things have been a bit bumpy for the Fullerton giant. If you’ve been following the industry news, you might have caught wind of some legal drama or the shifting ownership that’s redefined who they are in 2026. It’s not just about making ranch dressing anymore; it’s about navigating a complicated web of private equity and high-stakes litigation.
The Stir Foods Takeover and What Changed
Basically, Van Law isn't a standalone mom-and-pop shop anymore, though it started way back in 1945. It was acquired by Stir Foods (a portfolio company of Wind Point Partners) in early 2019. This wasn't just a name change on the lease. It was a strategic move to create a "sauce powerhouse" in North America. By combining Stir’s expertise in soups and salsas with Van Law’s massive capacity for dressings and marinades, they became a one-stop shop for retail and foodservice giants.
The Fullerton plant is a beast. We’re talking about a facility that handles everything from tiny pouches for meal kits to massive glass jugs for industrial kitchens. When Stir bought them, the goal was simple: scale. They wanted more R&D, more packaging options, and more speed.
However, scaling up usually comes with growing pains. In the last year, the company has had to navigate some serious headwinds. For instance, recent WARN notices filed in late 2025 indicated that around 50 employees at the Fullerton site were facing layoffs, scheduled for early 2026. It's a sobering reminder that even in the world of "recesssion-proof" food manufacturing, efficiency often comes at a human cost.
The Lawsuit That Shook the Industry
You can't talk about Van Law Foods Fullerton right now without mentioning the legal battle with New England Country Foods (NECF). This wasn't just some boring contract dispute; it went all the way to the California Supreme Court in 2025.
The gist of it? NECF claimed that Van Law basically tried to "clone" their secret barbecue sauce recipe to sell it directly to a major retailer—Trader Joe's. Emails allegedly surfaced between Van Law’s leadership and the retailer discussing this very move. It turned into a landmark case because it tested whether a company can "contract away" its liability for intentional misconduct.
- The Big Ruling: In April 2025, the California Supreme Court (in New England Country Foods v. VanLaw Food Products) ruled that you can't use a contract clause to protect yourself from "willful injury."
- The Impact: This effectively stripped away Van Law’s legal shield, allowing the lawsuit to move forward with claims for lost profits and punitive damages.
It’s a huge deal for anyone in contract manufacturing. It basically says, "Hey, even if you sign a paper saying we aren't liable for much, if we intentionally screw you over, you can still sue us for everything."
Safety, Recalls, and the FDA
Running a food plant is a logistical nightmare, and Van Law has had its share of FDA "please explain this" letters. Back in 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter regarding some serious labeling issues. Specifically, they were caught mislabeling Whole Foods' 365 Organic Creamy Caesar Dressing.
The problem wasn't just a typo. The labels failed to declare wheat and soy—two major allergens. For a company that prides itself on being a "trusted partner," these are the kinds of mistakes that keep quality control managers awake at night. They had to expand recalls after realizing that relabeling processes weren't being properly monitored. It highlights the massive pressure these plants are under to pump out thousands of units an hour while trying to keep every single allergen accounted for.
What They Actually Make
If you look at their catalog, it’s basically an encyclopedia of liquid condiments. They specialize in:
- Custom Dressings: Everything from traditional Ranch to "on-trend" plant-based vinaigrettes.
- Sauces: Marinades, BBQ sauces (clearly a specialty), and specialized cooking pastes like Harissa.
- Beverage Bases: Syrups and flavorings used in the foodservice industry.
- Specialty Labels: They handle organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO certifications, which is where the real money is these days.
The Reality of Working There
If you’re looking for a job at Van Law Foods Fullerton, you’ll find a mix of reviews. The pay typically ranges from $12 to over $30 an hour depending on whether you’re on the line or in a technician role. It’s hard work. It’s a manufacturing environment—loud, fast-paced, and highly regulated.
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The company is currently listed under The Kroger Co.'s umbrella for certain recruitment efforts or partnerships, and they are constantly looking for production workers and mechanics. But with the recent layoffs mentioned in the WARN reports, the atmosphere is likely one of transition. They are leaning harder into automation to keep up with the Stir Foods growth plan.
Why Does This Matter to You?
Honestly, Van Law is a case study in how the food on your plate actually gets there. Most people think "Trader Joe's" makes the sauce. They don't. Companies like Van Law do. When these manufacturers face lawsuits or safety recalls, it ripples through the entire supply chain.
If you're a business owner looking for a co-packer, the Van Law story is a cautionary tale about the importance of intellectual property protection. The 2025 Supreme Court ruling changed the game for how recipes are protected in California.
Actionable Insights for Partners and Consumers
- For Brands: If you're partnering with a giant like Van Law, ensure your "No-Compete" and "Confidentiality" clauses are airtight. The NECF v. VanLaw case proved that while the law protects you from intentional harm, the litigation process is long, expensive, and brutal.
- For Job Seekers: Keep an eye on the Stir Foods corporate site rather than just Van Law. The integration is nearly complete, and most "Fullerton" roles are now being managed through the Stir Foods HR infrastructure.
- For Consumers: Always check the "Manufactured For" or "Distributed By" fine print on your labels. While it won't always list the plant, knowing the manufacturer's history with allergens (like the 2023 FDA incident) can be life-saving for those with severe sensitivities.
The facility in Fullerton remains a cornerstone of the Southern California economy, even with the shifts in ownership and the legal heat. It’s a place where massive volume meets high-stakes business strategy. As we move through 2026, the company is likely to focus on rebuilding its reputation for "willful" integrity while continuing to fill millions of bottles for the world's biggest retailers.
To stay ahead of the curve, you should regularly monitor the California Employment Development Department (EDD) WARN listings for the 92833 zip code to track the facility's workforce stability. Additionally, businesses entering co-packing agreements should have their legal counsel review all "limitation of liability" clauses in light of the 2025 California Supreme Court ruling to ensure they aren't signing away protections that the law no longer permits.