Ina Garten Looking To Buy Contessa Line Of Frozen Food

Ina Garten, hostess of The Barefoot Contessa on Food Network, is reportedly in talks to buy Contessa Premium Foods, a frozen foods brand found in grocery chains like Publix, Walmart, and Safeway.

Contessa's president confirmed to The New York Times that Garten had expressed interest in buying the company, which was founded in 1984.

Last year, Garten actually teamed up with Contessa foods to introduce a range of frozen meals based on Ina Garten's recipes, and featured her image and signature on the packaging.

Now, it appears that the celebrity chef is looking to take full control of the once-unaffiliated business.

"I think there is a need for good frozen foods, and there has been a great response to my frozen food line," Garten told The New York Times. "I want to keep it going, and think we can build a really great business."

Karen Lo is an associate editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @appleplexy.