FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Golden Cannoli Shells Co. Welcomes Kirk R. Willard as Engineering Consultant

June 24, 2026

CHELSEA, Mass. — Golden Cannoli Shells Co. (GC), the nation's leading manufacturer of premium cannoli shells and desserts, is pleased to announce that Kirk R. Willard has joined the company as Engineering Consultant. In this role, Willard will support Golden Cannoli's ongoing efforts to transform its manufacturing facility into a best-in-class operation capable of supporting the company's continued growth and expansion.

Willard brings decades of experience in food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, engineering, maintenance, operations leadership, and manufacturing excellence. His distinguished career includes executive and senior-level positions with Ocean Spray, B&G Foods, Wyandot Snacks, Lemnature Aquafarms, and American Berry Company, where he successfully led plant transformations, capital investment projects, operational improvements, and manufacturing excellence initiatives.

"I have known Kirk for more than 10 years and have worked with him previously at both Ocean Spray and Lemnature, and I am delighted that he has joined our team," said Chet Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Cannoli Shells Co. "Kirk's experience and practical manufacturing leadership will be instrumental as we modernize our facility, improve our practices, and build a best-in-class plant capable of supporting our aggressive growth plans over the next several years."

Willard will focus on enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing facility layout, modernizing equipment, increasing reliability, and implementing disciplined systems and processes that strengthen safety, quality, and performance across the organization.

"I am excited to join Golden Cannoli at such a pivotal time in the company's growth," said Willard. "This is an opportunity to help build the manufacturing platform the business needs for the future. My focus will be on improving plant layout, strengthening operating practices, modernizing equipment, increasing reliability, and putting disciplined systems in place that allow the team to operate more safely, efficiently, and consistently. The outcome we are working toward is a best-in-class manufacturing facility that supports growth, improves execution, and positions GC for long-term success."

Golden Cannoli is excited to welcome Willard to the team and looks forward to the impact his expertise and leadership will have on the company's manufacturing transformation and long-term strategic growth.

About Golden Cannoli Shells Co.

Founded in 1970, Golden Cannoli Shells Co. is the leading manufacturer of premium cannoli shells and dessert products in the United States. 3rd generation, family-owned and operated for more than 55 years, Golden Cannoli serves foodservice operators, retail partners, distributors, and private label customers nationwide and internationally. The company is committed to delivering exceptional quality, innovation, and authentic Italian-inspired desserts while continuing to invest in manufacturing excellence and customer success.

Media Contact:
Valerie Bono-Bunker, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer
Golden Cannoli Shells Co. valerie@goldencannoli.com www.goldencannoli.com