USA – Saco Foods, a prominent US manufacturer of shelf-stable products, has announced its acquisition of Quinoa Corp., the parent company of the well-known brands Ancient Harvest and Pamela’s.
This strategic move, finalized on August 22, 2024, marks a significant expansion for Saco, a Wisconsin-based company that specialises in various food products.
The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed. Still, Saco Foods emphasised that the acquisition enhances its portfolio with two leading brands in the organic and gluten-free food sectors.
Tom Walzer, CEO of Saco Foods, expressed enthusiasm about the new addition, stating,
“We are excited to welcome Ancient Harvest and Pamela’s into our family of brands. Broadening our offering with their quality products complements our existing portfolio and leverages our shared service platform to improve service and reinvest in innovation to drive the organic growth of these great legacy brands.”
Ancient Harvest is historically significant as it was one of the first companies to introduce quinoa to the United States in 1983.
The brand is recognized for its commitment to organic, non-GMO, and plant-based foods. It offers a diverse range of products, including various types of quinoa, pasta, and polenta.
Meanwhile, Pamela’s has been a pioneer in gluten-free foods since 1988, providing a wide array of products such as pancake mixes, cookies, and snack bars.
Both brands have established a strong presence in natural food and grocery stores across the United States and Canada and on platforms like Amazon.
John Becker, the former CEO of Quinoa Corp. and now president of Ancient Harvest and Pamela’s, commented on the acquisition, saying, “With the support of Saco, we have a great opportunity to reinvigorate these brands and expand our distribution while maintaining the high quality standards our customers and end consumers expect.”
This acquisition comes as consumer demand for healthy and organic food options continues to rise. Saco Foods, acquired by Fengate Private Equity and Weathervane Investment Corp. in January 2024, is positioning itself to meet this growing demand by enhancing its product offerings.
Founded in 1973 by Ray Sanna, Saco has built a reputation for its diverse range of shelf-stable products, including chocolate chips and dry milk. It is particularly known for its chocolate coatings brand, Dolci Frutta.
Integrating Ancient Harvest and Pamela’s into Saco’s operations is expected to streamline processes and promote innovation within the company.
By leveraging Saco’s existing infrastructure, the brands can potentially reach a wider audience while maintaining their commitment to quality.
As Walzer noted, the focus will be on improving service and reinvesting in innovation, which is crucial for sustaining growth in the competitive food market.
In summary, Saco Foods’ acquisition of Quinoa Corp. signifies a strategic expansion into the organic and gluten-free food sectors, with the potential to enhance product offerings and market reach.
This move strengthens Saco’s portfolio and aligns with the increasing consumer preference for healthy and sustainable food options. As the company integrates these legacy brands, it aims to uphold its quality standards while exploring new avenues for growth and distribution.
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