Food & Beverage Acquisitions in United States

Investindustrial completed its previously announced all-cash take-private acquisition of TreeHouse Foods in a transaction valued at $2.9 billion in total enterprise value, plus contingent value rights tied to potential litigation recovery. TreeHouse Foods shareholders received $22.50 per share in cash and one non-transferable CVR per share, and TreeHouse Foods will no longer trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

SGS acquired Murray-Brown Laboratories, a food testing laboratory based in Denver, Colorado, to expand its food safety and nutraceutical testing capabilities in North America. The deal adds advanced microbial and analytical chemistry capabilities (including pesticide and mycotoxin detection) and strengthens SGS’s geographic footprint for microbiological testing services across the United States.

Tastee Apple Inc. announced the acquisition of Art of Sucre LLC, an Ohio-based viral cotton-candy brand known for its Cotton Candy Glitter Bomb drink toppers and sugar creations. The deal expands Tastee Apple’s confectionery portfolio into premium confection and beverage-enhancement categories and leverages its manufacturing and distribution to scale Art of Sucre nationally. The transaction closed in Q4 2025, and founder Emily Harpel will remain as Chief Brand Officer.

ETi Gıda, a Turkey-headquartered global snack company, acquired 100% of TRUBAR for $173 million in cash with no earn-out. The deal positions TRUBAR to scale further across North America and expand into additional international markets, while the founder, leadership team, and employees remain in place to continue operating the brand.

Western Smokehouse Partners, a producer of premium better-for-you meat snacks, acquired Junior's Smokehouse, a Texas-based manufacturer of handcrafted jerky and other meat products. The deal expands Western’s national footprint and adds manufacturing capacity and product capabilities to support growing customer demand, following Monogram Capital Partners’ reacquisition of Western in Q1 2025. Junior’s, founded in 1985 and headquartered in El Campo, Texas, will join Western’s multi-state manufacturing network, with plans for a second El Campo facility in early 2026.

Registrar Corp, a regulatory compliance provider for the food and beverage industry and a portfolio company of Paine Schwartz Partners, announced it has acquired TechniCAL. TechniCAL is an independent Process Authority for low-acid and acidified foods, providing thermal process validation, FDA regulatory guidance, and related testing/data-collection technologies. The combination expands Registrar Corp’s capabilities in shelf-stable packaged foods safety and compliance.

Odeko, an operations and technology platform for independent food and beverage businesses, acquired District Distribution, a specialty food and beverage distributor headquartered in Washington, D.C. The deal strengthens Odeko’s Mid-Atlantic footprint (Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) and expands access to local brands; alongside the acquisition, Odeko also entered into a partnership with Union Kitchen to connect emerging brands with broader distribution opportunities across Odeko’s network.

Violet Foods LLC, a portfolio company of Amphora Equity Partners, acquired the Muir Glen brand of organic tomato products from General Mills, Inc.; financial terms were not disclosed. The deal expands Violet Foods’ branded portfolio in tomato sauces and canned tomato products by adding Muir Glen’s nationally distributed organic offerings.

Rich Products Corporation (Rich’s) acquired Great Kitchens Food Company from Brynwood Partners VIII L.P. in a transaction that closed in January 2026; financial terms were not disclosed. Great Kitchens, headquartered in Romeoville, Illinois, is a leading manufacturer of private-label take-and-bake pizzas and related products and includes the Uno Foods brand. Rich’s expects the deal to expand its topped pizza and flatbread capabilities by combining Great Kitchens’ fully topped pizza expertise with Rich’s crust and dough offerings, creating a more vertically integrated pizza platform for retail and foodservice customers.

Jackalope Brewing Company acquired Nashville-area craft brewer Black Abbey Brewing Company, uniting two longtime Tennessee brands as Jackalope enters a new phase of expansion. Under Jackalope’s ownership, Black Abbey will continue operating with its distinct European-inspired beer portfolio while benefiting from increased production capacity, broader distribution, and additional resources for long-term brand development. As part of the deal, Black Abbey founder Carl Meier will join Jackalope’s sales team to help grow the combined regional presence.

Humble Growth, a consumer-focused growth equity firm, entered into a strategic partnership with simplyFUEL and acquired a minority stake in the protein snack brand. simplyFUEL, founded by sports dietitian Mitzi Dulan, said the investment is its first institutional capital partner and will support continued nationwide retail expansion.

Puratos acquired Vör Foods, a fast-growing manufacturer of ultra-clean-label nut butters and nut-based fillings, to expand its U.S. manufacturing footprint and accelerate sweet goods innovation. Vör Foods’ SQF-certified dedicated nut facility in Trevose, Pennsylvania and its portfolio (including pistachio, hazelnut, almond, and cashew products) will complement Puratos’ existing nut offering and support shorter lead times and improved traceability through predominantly U.S.-sourced inputs.

Highlander Partners acquired Tapatío hot sauce from the Saavedra family, with the founding family remaining involved and retaining a minority stake post-closing. The Arnold Companies invested alongside Highlander in a significant minority equity position, and the deal included new financing partners; financial terms were not disclosed.

Great Frontier Beverage Holdings (the Great Frontier Collective of Brands), headquartered within Ninkasi Brewing in Eugene, Oregon, acquired Washington-based Incline Cider in 2025 and Seattle-based San Juan Beverage Company (San Juan Seltzer) on January 7, 2026. The deals expand Great Frontier’s craft beverage portfolio across cider and hard seltzer, leveraging shared resources and distribution to support growth.

MPearlRock acquired The Good Crisp Company, a fast-growing clean-label, better-for-you salty snacks brand offering canister chips, cheeseballs, and crinkle cut chips. The acquisition adds The Good Crisp Company to MPearlRock’s portfolio as it looks to scale emerging consumer packaged goods brands; financial terms were not disclosed.

USK Capital, the family office of Uday Kotak, acquired Go Raw, a seed-based, clean-label snacking brand known for organic, plant-based products. The business was sold by Juggernaut Capital Partners, which said Go Raw more than doubled revenue and expanded distribution across grocery, natural, club, and e-commerce channels during its ownership; financial terms were not disclosed.

Tropical Cheese Industries, backed by Avance Investment Management and AUA Private Equity Partners, acquired Cibao Meat Products, a family-owned manufacturer of Hispanic-style meat products sold under brands including Induveca and Campesino. Cibao will be integrated as a dedicated Cibao Meat Products Division, expanding Tropical Cheese’s Hispanic refrigerated foods platform beyond dairy and enhancing distribution and cold-chain capabilities. As part of the transaction, the Vieluf family rolled equity into the combined business; financial terms were not disclosed.

PPC acquired NaturPak (IPMF, LLC), a co-manufacturer and co-packer producing bone broths, soups, sauces, wet pet food, and ingredient products, including using the Tetra Recart packaging format. PPC is investing alongside NaturPak’s management team, with CEO Aaron Jackson continuing to lead the business. Trivest Partners is referenced as a prior capital partner, and transaction terms were not disclosed.

Premium Brands Holdings Corporation (TSX: PBH) completed its acquisition of Stampede Culinary Partners, Inc., a U.S.-based protein and culinary solutions provider, for approximately US$688.0 million. Consideration included approximately US$512.5 million in cash, US$150.0 million in Premium Brands common shares issued to the seller, plus net working capital adjustments and reimbursement of cash on hand. Wynnchurch Capital, L.P. announced it sold Stampede to Premium Brands.

PAK Quality Foods LLC, a portfolio company of Cross Rapids Capital, acquired substantially all assets of Vernon Transportation LP and AmTex HR Foods LLP, Inc., operating as H&R Foods. H&R Foods is an employee-owned food distributor based in Amarillo serving foodservice, retail, and institutional customers across multiple states. H&R Foods leaders John and Barry Vernon will continue to run the business under PAK Quality Foods.

Fortune International, LLC acquired Simply Fresh, a Durham, North Carolina-based processor and purveyor of fresh fish and seafood. The deal strengthens Fortune International’s local fresh seafood sourcing and custom-cutting capabilities in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast markets, with Simply Fresh’s team joining Fortune Fish & Gourmet operations in North Carolina.

Dallas-based specialty coffee company White Rhino Coffee acquired DFW pie shop chain Emporium Pies for undisclosed terms. Emporium Pies will continue operating as its own brand, with its core baking staff remaining in place and co-owner Addie Roberts continuing with the business as White Rhino explores expanded footprint and menu collaborations.

Patriot Pickle, a manufacturer and distributor of pickles and fermented food products, acquired Cosmo's Food Products, a West Haven, Connecticut-based maker of premium pepper products and antipasto specialties. The deal expands Patriot Pickle’s product portfolio and manufacturing capacity across foodservice and retail channels. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Brothers International Food Holdings, LLC acquired Food Partners, a global fruit ingredient supplier specializing in citrus. Food Partners will continue operating under its name from Winter Haven, Florida, while Brothers remains based in Rochester, New York; Food Partners’ founder Webb Tanner will remain in his role and as a minority owner.

Hormel Foods and Forward Consumer Partners completed a transaction creating a new strategic partnership in which Justin's will operate as a standalone company. Under the agreement, Forward Consumer Partners will own 51% of Justin's and Hormel Foods will retain a 49% stake.

Mars, Incorporated completed its all-cash acquisition of Kellanova for $83.50 per share, valuing the deal at approximately $35.9 billion (including assumed net leverage). The transaction, announced August 14, 2024, was approved by Kellanova shareholders on November 1, 2024 and received all required regulatory approvals by December 8, 2025, bringing Kellanova’s snacking and cereal brands into Mars Snacking headquartered in Chicago.

The Wyckoff Family acquired Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, bringing Washington’s largest wine company back under private Washington family ownership for the first time in more than 50 years. The transaction includes all Ste. Michelle wine brands, facilities, and vineyards across the state, with leadership emphasizing continuity and long-term investment in winemaking quality and support for Washington grape growers.

Royal Cup Coffee & Tea announced a growth investment from Braemont Capital to support accelerated innovation, expansion, and service capabilities. Royal Cup’s leadership team will continue to run the business, while the new capital is intended to expand roasting and distribution capacity and deepen partnerships across hospitality, foodservice, healthcare, and convenience channels.

Twin River Berries announced it has acquired Oregon Berry Packing, Inc., a grower-packer of premium Pacific Northwest berries. The deal expands Twin River Berries’ berry platform and supports its strategy to build a vertically integrated supply chain serving major retailers and distributors in North America and Asia.

Richardson International Limited closed its acquisition of the pasta business of 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc., following regulatory and closing approvals. The deal adds a durum mill and three pasta manufacturing facilities in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Virginia, along with the Ronzoni brand, strengthening Richardson’s vertically integrated durum-to-pasta supply chain and U.S. operations.

Horizon Family Brands announced the strategic acquisition of Maple Hill Creamery, a 100% grass-fed organic dairy company founded in 2009. The deal expands Horizon’s organic dairy portfolio, strengthens its retail-channel presence nationwide, and aims to accelerate innovation and supply-chain capabilities while maintaining operational continuity as Maple Hill is integrated into Horizon’s portfolio.

SNH Capital Partners announced a strategic investment in Arctic Fisheries, LLC, a Buffalo, New York-based importer of premium seafood products sold to foodservice customers across the United States. Arctic Fisheries CEO Michael Kotok will remain a shareholder following the transaction and continue to lead the business with the existing management team.

WarRoom Cellars acquired the historic SIMI wine brand from The Wine Group, expanding WarRoom’s portfolio of heritage California wine labels. WarRoom plans to steward and revitalize SIMI’s legacy brand positioning and production, while Total Beverage Solution will continue to manage sales and distribution for WarRoom’s portfolio. BMO Capital Markets served as advisor on the transaction.

The Hershey Company has completed its acquisition of LesserEvil, a fast-growing organic snack brand known for organic popcorn and puffs. The deal expands Hershey’s better-for-you and salty snacking portfolio and adds additional manufacturing capacity, while LesserEvil’s leadership team will remain in place.

Paine Schwartz Partners formed BetterCo Holdings, L.P. as a new platform investment under Paine Schwartz Food Chain Fund VI to aggregate investments in high-growth downstream better-for-you food and beverage products and services. BetterCo’s first two investments are in Crisp Inc., an AI-driven commerce intelligence platform for the global food supply chain, and Lucky Energy, a better-for-you energy drink brand. The investments are intended to support expansion initiatives at both companies, including product/AI commercialization and go-to-market growth for Crisp and distribution and brand building for Lucky.

Turnspire Capital Partners announced that an affiliate acquired LifeLine Foods LLC and ICM Biofuels LLC and will combine the businesses under a new platform, The LifeLine Group. The food operation will continue as LifeLine Foods, while the biofuels business will be rebranded as LifeLine Biofuels, with AgraMarke Quality Grains, Inc. partnering with Turnspire in forming the platform. The combined company is headquartered in St. Joseph, Missouri and appointed Jeremy Bezdek as President and CEO.

Cerealto made a majority (controlling) investment in Fresca Foods, a Colorado-based U.S. co-manufacturer of natural and organic snacks. Fresca Foods’ leadership team will remain shareholders and continue to manage day-to-day operations, while the partnership is intended to accelerate growth and expand Cerealto’s manufacturing footprint in the U.S. snacking market.

Burdette Beckmann Inc. (BBI), a national confectionery-industry sales agency, acquired Action Sales West Inc., a regional sales agency serving California, Nevada, and Arizona. The deal expands BBI’s market reach across the Western United States, with integration into BBI’s national platform beginning immediately.

Midas Foods International announced the acquisition of Georgia Spice and The Doug Jeffords Company, combining the two businesses under the new brand Creative Spiceworks. The deal expands Midas Foods’ blending and packaging capacity and strengthens its culinary R&D and national reach to better serve protein, meat processing, snack food, retail, and foodservice customers.

Urban Farmer, a portfolio company of Paine Schwartz Partners, announced it has acquired CAULIPOWER, the leading better-for-you gluten-free and cauliflower-crust frozen pizza brand in the United States. The combination is intended to create a vertically integrated, scaled platform spanning branded, private label, and co-manufactured better-for-you frozen products, with CAULIPOWER continuing to operate under its existing brand. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Spectrum Wine, a global marketplace for buying, selling, and storing fine and rare wines and spirits, acquired Wine Exchange (WineX), a long-established fine wine retailer in the United States. The deal combines Spectrum Wine’s auction, storage, and global marketplace capabilities with WineX’s retail selection, digital content, and customer base, creating an integrated fine-wine destination. WineX leaders Kyle Meyer and Tristen Beamon will help oversee Spectrum’s integrated retail operations, operating from Spectrum Wine’s headquarters in Santa Ana, California.

Benchmark Beverage Co., a Livonia, Michigan-based beverage company, acquired the Altes Beer brand from Detroit National Brewing Co. Benchmark plans to expand the brand with new products and a broader manufacturing and distribution footprint while keeping brewing operations in Michigan. Detroit National Brewing partners Eric Stief, Carl Erickson, and Pat Kruse will remain involved with the Altes team post-transaction.

Cotton Creek Capital made a strategic investment in Ne-Mo's Bakery, LLC to support the company’s growth initiatives, including expanded manufacturing capacity and product innovation. Ne-Mo's Bakery is a producer of sweet baked goods distributed nationwide and is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Woodland Gourmet, a provider of custom culinary solutions and specialty ingredients, acquired International Spices, a developer of custom seasoning blends for snacks, proteins, and prepared foods. The deal expands Woodland Gourmet’s seasoning and flavor innovation capabilities across foodservice, retail, and industrial channels and enhances its ability to deliver customized solutions at scale. Financial terms were not disclosed.

PNC Brands Group, the parent company of Pivot North Consulting Group and PNC Specialty Foods, acquired a majority interest in Ice Cream Factory, a family-owned ice cream manufacturer and co-manufacturer headquartered in Lebanon, Missouri. Ice Cream Factory founder Shannon Imler will remain with the business as Chief Growth Officer, while PNC Brands Group CEO Gail Kurpgeweit will serve as Ice Cream Factory’s Chief Executive Officer. The deal supports planned modernization and capacity expansion at Ice Cream Factory’s Lebanon production facility and strengthens PNC’s end-to-end commercialization offering for food brands.

Nautic Partners, in partnership with Cenavera’s management team, completed the acquisition of Cenavera Nutrition, LLC from Harkness Capital Partners. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Cenavera is a leading independent provider of fully outsourced K-12 school foodservice management across 33 U.S. states.

FreshBrew, a Houston-based private-label coffee and tea roaster, announced it has acquired White Coffee Corp.'s Branded Coffee licensed division, which includes the nation’s largest portfolio of licensed bagged coffee and K-Cup products. The deal transfers ownership of multiple coffee brand licenses to FreshBrew, expanding its retail offerings and production capabilities. White Coffee executives Jonathan and Gregory White will join FreshBrew’s executive team to support the transition and growth of the retail division.

Avance Investment Management made a strategic investment in Barchemy, LLC, a developer and manufacturer of better-for-you chocolate and confectionery ingredients for nutritional bars, bakery, confectionery, and ice cream end markets. Barchemy Founder and CEO Larry Toscano will retain a significant ownership stake and continue to lead the company, with the investment intended to support facility investment, capacity expansion, and team growth. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Buyers Edge Platform, a digital procurement network for the foodservice industry, acquired the National Golf Course Restaurant Association (NGCRA). The deal adds a dedicated presence in the golf, country club, and private club segments, with NGCRA continuing to operate under its existing name and structure while gaining access to Buyers Edge Platform’s technology, partnerships, and supply chain expertise.

Sazerac Company acquired Western Son Vodka and Distillery, a Texas-based small-batch spirits company. The deal adds Western Son’s vodka and gin brands and provides Sazerac with additional production capacity and capabilities across its spirits network.

Ferrero Group completed its previously announced acquisition of WK Kellogg Co, making WK Kellogg a wholly owned subsidiary of Ferrero. WK Kellogg shareholders will receive $23.00 per share in cash, and the company has ceased trading and will no longer be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Ferrero said the deal supports its strategic growth in North America and plans to invest in WK Kellogg’s portfolio across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

Artisan Chef Manufacturing Company acquired Buitoni Food Company, a consumer packaged goods business known for refrigerated pasta and sauces. Briggs Management Partners served as exclusive financial advisor to Artisan Chef, supporting target identification, due diligence, transaction execution, and post-merger integration, including interim CFO responsibilities for Buitoni.

Handgards, LLC, a portfolio company of Wynnchurch Capital, acquired Albany Packaging USA. Albany, headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Florida, distributes foodservice packaging focused on paper folding cartons sold to supermarkets, bakeries, restaurants, and convenience stores, expanding Handgards’ paper-based packaging offering.

Frazil, a U.S. frozen beverage (slush) brand, acquired Alligator Ice, a family-owned frozen drink company with a significant presence in convenience stores nationwide. Alligator Ice, based in Missouri, brings more than 20 years of industry experience and distribution across over 10,000 convenience store locations, strengthening Frazil’s expansion across convenience and other channels.

Heartland Food Products Group, the manufacturer of SPLENDA BRAND products, has acquired the SLIMFAST US brand from Glanbia PLC. Heartland said the transaction expands its portfolio of nutrition and weight-management offerings alongside SPLENDA, supporting its focus on healthier consumer choices.

Louisville Brands acquired Louisville Vegan Jerky Company, a Render Capital Fund 1 portfolio company. The deal adds the plant-based snacking brand to Louisville Brands’ consumer packaged goods portfolio as it continues building a scalable platform of food, beverage, and lifestyle brands.

SI Private Capital, a St. Petersburg-based private equity firm, made an equity investment to acquire Sarasota companies Yoder's Southern Creamery and Sutter's Quality Foods. Financial terms were not disclosed, and founder Bill Yoder will retain an ownership stake while continuing as president of Yoder's Southern Creamery; existing CEO Brian Richardson will remain in place. The investment is intended to support future growth and capitalization of both businesses.

Calbee, Inc. acquired a majority stake in Hodo, Inc., a U.S. producer of organic tofu and plant-based proteins headquartered in Oakland, California. As part of the same venture, Japan-based Sagamiya Foods Co., Ltd. also acquired a minority stake in Hodo and will provide technical support to help accelerate growth.

MBC Companies, a diversified frozen foods manufacturer and portfolio company of Entrepreneurial Equity Partners (e2p), acquired Alpha Foods Co., a family-owned frozen pizza and pizza components manufacturer based in Waller, Texas. The deal expands MBC’s manufacturing footprint and strengthens its frozen pizza capabilities alongside its earlier 2025 acquisition of Nardone Brothers Baking. Financial terms were not disclosed; the transaction closed on September 10, 2025.

Nutrabolt announced a significant expanded investment in Bloom Nutrition, deepening its strategic partnership after taking a minority stake in January 2024. Bloom’s founders and management team will continue to lead the brand, while the investment is intended to broaden Nutrabolt’s reach in wellness supplements and functional beverages.

Industrial Opportunity Partners (IOP) announced the recapitalization of Charcuterie Artisans, the parent company of Creminelli Fine Meats and Daniele, with an IOP-managed fund acquiring the company’s assets and taking majority ownership control. The transaction eliminated approximately $200 million of debt and included additional capital-structure partners Oaktree Capital Management, Sandton Capital Partners, and Contrarian Capital Management, alongside a new working capital facility from PNC Business Credit.

Five Star Breaktime Solutions acquired Georgia Vending Services, a vending services operator headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia. The deal expands Five Star’s presence in the Atlanta metro area and enables broader delivery of micro markets, vending, and office coffee solutions to workplaces across Atlanta and North Georgia.

Capol (a Freudenberg Group company) acquired Blue Pacific Flavors, a provider of natural and organic flavor systems. The deal aims to expand Capol’s global food-ingredients innovation and reach across North America, Europe, and Asia, combining capabilities in flavors and confectionery coatings. Blue Pacific Flavors will continue operating under CEO Donald Wilkes with its team and operations unchanged.

Mama's Creations, Inc. acquired substantially all of the assets of Crown I Enterprises Inc., a Sysco Corporation subsidiary that manufactures value-added proteins and ready-to-eat meals. The $17.5 million all-cash deal adds a USDA-certified 42,000-square-foot facility in Bay Shore, New York and approximately $56 million of profitable annual revenue (FY ended June 28, 2025).

Odeko, an operations and technology partner for independent food and beverage businesses, has acquired Atlanta Coffee Supply Group (ACSG), a full-service distributor based in Atlanta, Georgia. The deal expands Odeko’s footprint in the Southeastern United States and brings ACSG customers onto Odeko’s ordering and operations platform while maintaining access to ACSG’s Lakehouse Coffee brand and partner Blue Durango Iced Tea through Odeko on an exclusive basis.

Atlantic Natural Foods, LLC (ANF) completed the sale of select assets comprising its Loma Linda, neat, and TUNO shelf-stable plant-based foods business units, along with Kaffree Roma, to Century Pacific North America. The transaction was approved through a bid process and by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and includes a transition period with Century Pacific assuming ownership and ongoing supply to global markets.

TowerBrook Capital Partners, together with Prelude Growth Partners, made a strategic investment in Amylu Foods, a Chicago, Illinois-based manufacturer of all-natural, value-added protein products. The partnership is intended to help Amylu scale operations and expand distribution across channels in the United States, building on its portfolio of value-added chicken products sold under the Amylu brand and private label.

Cardone Ventures acquired CardoMax, a liquid-based supplement company founded by former Navy SEALs. The deal brings CardoMax’s proprietary AAT Accelerated Absorption Technology into Cardone Ventures’ health and wellness portfolio, with plans to integrate further with its subsidiary 10X Health System to expand reach and accelerate product development.

v2food announced a strategic partnership with Ajinomoto Co., Inc. alongside v2food’s acquisition of Daring Foods, the leading unbreaded plant-based chicken brand in the United States. Daring will continue operating under its own brand in the US while leveraging v2food’s proprietary food technology and manufacturing network, with Ajinomoto contributing global scale and food-science expertise to support expansion.

CREO Capital Partners, a Miami-based private equity firm, acquired Bova Fresh, a Boca Raton, Florida-based food procurement and asset-light logistics company serving U.S. retail and foodservice customers. Bova Fresh will continue to operate independently, with founders Bob Wilhelm and Steve San Filippo retaining a minority stake and continuing to lead day-to-day operations.

Bourdon Spirits Company, a family-owned spirits company based in Louisville, acquired Copper & Kings American Brandy Company from Constellation Brands. Copper & Kings will continue producing spirits at its Louisville distillery, with plans to enhance the visitor experience and expand national distribution. The transaction closed on August 5, 2025.

Hoffmann Family of Companies (HF Companies) has acquired Elmer Chocolate, a leading U.S. seasonal chocolatier and manufacturer of heart-shaped chocolate boxes. Deal terms were not disclosed, and Elmer will continue to be led by third-generation family members Rob and Michael Nelson, who will retain partial ownership and remain actively involved.

Generous Brands, a portfolio company of Butterfly, completed its acquisition of kombucha beverage brand Health-Ade. Health-Ade was acquired from private equity firms First Bev and Manna Tree Partners, which will remain involved as minority shareholders in Generous Brands following the transaction.

Mrs. Gerry's Kitchen, a portfolio company of Sequel Holdings, acquired Garden-Fresh Foods. Garden-Fresh Foods manufactures branded and private label refrigerated prepared foods and operates a production facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Alantra acted as exclusive financial advisor to Garden-Fresh Foods on the sell-side, and members of the Hughes family and CEO John Colapinto will remain involved in management post-transaction.

Arable Capital Partners announced that its portfolio company, organicgirl, completed a strategic combination by first merging with and acquiring Braga Fresh, followed by the acquisition of Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle (a former division of Dole plc). The transaction brings together three salad and fresh-vegetable businesses under the organicgirl platform to create a larger, diversified produce portfolio.

Wiseacre Brewing Company, a Memphis-based craft brewery, has acquired Nashville-based Bearded Iris Brewing, combining two of Tennessee’s largest craft brewers. Wiseacre is pursuing permit changes via its affiliate Abel Brewing LLC for Bearded Iris locations in Nashville. Financial terms were not disclosed, and the deal reportedly does not involve Scofflaw Brewing despite Bearded Iris’ prior participation in the IndieBrew collective.

Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP), in partnership with Shipley Do-Nuts’ management team, acquired Shipley Do-Nuts from Peak Rock Capital (via a Peak Rock affiliate). Shipley, founded in 1936 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a donut and kolache franchisor with more than 375 locations across 14 states. Financial terms were not disclosed, and the company will continue to be led by CEO Flynn Dekker from its Houston headquarters.

Whitsons Culinary Group, an onsite food service management and prepared meals provider, acquired The Abbey Group. The deal expands Whitsons’ reach into new school communities across New England by adding The Abbey Group’s Vermont-based K-12-focused food service operations in the Northeast.

Benford Capital Partners, through its Fund II portfolio company Turri's Italian Foods, acquired Joseph's Gourmet Pasta. The combination creates a large U.S.-based provider of frozen pasta, rice, and sauce products, with Joseph's CEO David Zwartendijk leading the combined organization. Joseph's was acquired from LaSalle Capital, with Capital One Food & Beverage providing debt financing and New Mountain Capital partnering to acquire Joseph's real estate assets.

Wayne-Sanderson Farms acquired Georgia-based Harrison Poultry in a private transaction, with all of Harrison Poultry’s assets transferring to Wayne-Sanderson Farms effective immediately. The deal includes Harrison’s live production, hatchery, feed mill, and manufacturing, production, and transportation facilities tied to its Bethlehem and Crawfordville, Georgia operations, with integrated operations beginning right away. No financial terms were disclosed.

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) acquired full ownership of Dyla Brands, a producer of powdered drink mixes and liquid water enhancers. KDP previously held a minority stake in Dyla since 2017 and is now fully integrating the business into its beverage portfolio to expand its functional hydration and drink-mix offerings.

PAK Quality Foods, backed by private equity firm Cross Rapids Capital, acquired the assets of Las Colinas International Inc., doing business as Formosa Foods. The transaction combines two regional food distributors and expands PAK’s geographic reach and product mix across multiple Southern U.S. states. Formosa’s owners Jesse and Weldon Chang will continue to lead the business and also invested in PAK Quality Foods; financial terms were not disclosed.

Vilore Foods, a San Antonio-based distributor and brand development partner for culturally connected consumer products, announced it has acquired Mexican food brand Tia Lupita Foods. The deal expands Vilore Foods’ portfolio into the natural foods category and adds Tia Lupita’s better-for-you lineup including hot sauces, grain-free cactus tortilla chips, and Mexican Chili Crunch.

Tilia Holdings, a Chicago-based private investment firm, acquired Caputo Cheese on June 30, 2025. Caputo Cheese is a value-added processor of high-quality Italian cheeses serving foodservice, food manufacturing and other customers, and will continue to be led by Natale Caputo. The transaction was financed with debt provided by Monroe Capital, and Caputo was advised by Harris Williams; Promus Equity Partners sold the business to Tilia.

Mizkan America, Inc. acquired Zing Zang, LLC, a Chicago-based leading non-alcoholic cocktail mixer brand best known as America’s #1-selling Bloody Mary mix, for an undisclosed sum. The deal expands Mizkan’s presence in the cocktail-mixer category (its “Inspired Mixology” initiative), and Zing Zang will continue to operate as a separate business unit for the foreseeable future. Prior to the transaction, Zing Zang was owned by private equity firm NexPhase Capital, which sold the company to Mizkan.

Dessert Holdings acquired Willamette Valley Pie Company, a manufacturer of premium pies, cobblers, and other dessert products. The deal expands Dessert Holdings’ scratch-made, clean-label premium dessert portfolio across retail and foodservice channels; financial terms were not disclosed. Willamette Valley Pie Company will continue operating under its existing management team led by President Austin Kelly.

Monogram Capital Partners reacquired Western Smokehouse Partners, a leading contract manufacturer of premium, better-for-you meat sticks and protein snacks, from AUA Private Equity Partners. AUA had bought a majority stake in Western in 2023 (with Monogram retaining a minority interest) and expanded capacity and completed the add-on acquisition of Golden Valley Natural before selling Western back to Monogram; transaction terms were not disclosed. Monogram funded the reacquisition via investment vehicles including a continuation vehicle, with Committed Advisors as lead investor and participation from RCP Advisors and others.

Danone acquired Kate Farms, a U.S.-based provider of plant-based, organic clinical nutrition formulas. Following the deal, Kate Farms will continue operating within Danone's North America Medical Nutrition business. Novo Holdings and other investors had previously backed Kate Farms, including Novo Holdings leading its $75 million Series C financing in 2022.

Post Holdings, Inc. announced it has completed its previously announced acquisition of 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc., effective July 1, 2025. Post Holdings is a consumer packaged goods holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.

Marubeni Corporation has acquired Bubbies Ice Cream, a super-premium mochi ice cream and frozen novelty brand. Bubbies will become part of Marubeni America Corporation and continue operating and manufacturing out of Phoenix, Arizona, with the acquisition intended to support Bubbies’ next phase of growth using Marubeni’s global supply-chain resources and international reach.

Barrel One Collective, a New England craft beer collective formed via the merger of Mass. Bay Brewing and Finestkind Brewing, announced the acquisition of Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company. Greater Good will join Barrel One’s portfolio while keeping its 15,000-sq-ft Worcester, Massachusetts taproom and brewery fully operational, expanding distribution reach and growth opportunities.

GrubMarket has completed the acquisition of Coast Citrus Distributors, a San Diego, California-based national distributor specializing in tropical fruits and other produce. The transaction also brings Coast Citrus Distributors’ subsidiaries, including Coast Tropical and Olympic Fruit and Vegetable Distribution, into GrubMarket. Coast Citrus Distributors will continue to be managed by its existing leadership team following the acquisition.

HC Private Investments (HCPI), a Chicago-based family office, formed a new premium baked goods and snack manufacturer, Artisan Bakery, through the acquisitions of Snackwerks and Specialty Bakers; financial terms were not disclosed. Specialty Bakers (Marysville, Pennsylvania) was acquired from Stonebridge Partners, and Snackwerks (Battle Creek, Michigan) adds co-manufacturing capabilities across cookies, granola and snack bars. Industry veterans joined the board, with Kirk Trofholz serving as Executive Chairman and Specialty Bakers CEO Jack Eckerd continuing as CEO of the combined company; Snackwerks’ prior owner Jeff Grogg retained significant equity.

Saval Foods, LLC acquired Pastore's Italian Wholesale Distributor, a Baltimore-area family-owned wholesaler known for its Sun of Italy brand. The deal expands Saval’s Italian specialty product portfolio and is intended to support the growth of Sun of Italy across both foodservice and retail markets. As part of the transition, Mike Pastore Jr. will join Saval Foodservice in a brand development role focused on Sun of Italy.

Jones Soda Co. sold its cannabis beverage business, including cannabis-specific assets under the Mary Jones brand, to MJ Reg Disrupters LLC for $3.0 million in aggregate consideration (cash plus a promissory note). As part of the deal, MJ Reg also entered into a multi-year exclusive, non-transferable trademark licensing agreement to use the Mary Jones brand for THC emulsion consumable products in exchange for annual licensing fees.

C.H. Guenther & Son LLC (CHG), a commercial baking and food manufacturing company owned by Pritzker Private Capital alongside management and co-investors, acquired Fresca Mexican Foods, LLC. Fresca is a tortilla and tortilla chips manufacturer with a state-of-the-art facility in Caldwell, Idaho, and the deal expands CHG’s tortilla manufacturing capacity and strengthens its relationships with foodservice, QSR, and private-label customers. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Paine Schwartz Partners, through Paine Schwartz Food Chain Fund VI, completed a strategic investment in Chex Finer Foods, a specialty and natural food distributor serving the grocery channel. Chex Finer Foods will continue to be led by CEO Jeremy Isenberg, with Paine Schwartz partnering with management to accelerate growth, invest in operations and technology, and pursue M&A opportunities in the fragmented food distribution market.

HighPost Capital, LLC made a significant investment in Equip Foods, a fast-growing brand of real-food protein supplements and related nutrition products founded in 2015. The investment is intended to support Equip Foods’ continued growth and expansion; financial terms were not disclosed.

The Reddy Family and Bain Capital’s Private Credit Group have partnered to launch Trillium Foods, a North American liquid food and beverage manufacturing platform. Trillium Foods is majority owned by the Reddy Family, with Bain Capital providing an investment to support expansion alongside management led by CEO Ash Reddy. The platform combines Flavor Reddy Foods and its prior acquisitions: Dominion Liquid Technologies, Lancaster Fine Foods (carve-out), and Southern Classic Food Group.

Rowdy Mermaid, an organic kombucha and functional soda maker, has been acquired by Next in Natural in partnership with strategic investors KarpReilly and Luke Comer (founder of Sapient Stews). The transaction is intended to support Rowdy Mermaid’s next phase of growth by expanding capabilities across areas such as production, supply chain, and marketing, while founders Jamba Dunn and Erin Donnelly continue to lead the business.