Wicked Kitchen, the plant-based retail and foodservice brand known for its diverse offerings, has recently been acquired by the Ahimsa group of companies. This acquisition includes the alternative-seafood lines Good Catch and Current Foods, which were previously acquired by Wicked Kitchen in 2022 and 2023.
Founded in 2016 by chefs and brothers Derek and Chad Sarno, along with associate Chris Kerr, Wicked Kitchen expanded its presence to the UK and the US. The Sarno brothers are now stakeholders in the new brand business, under the umbrella of Ahimsa Companies, a holding company associated with the Ahimsa Foundation and Ahimsa VC.
Ahimsa VC, established in 2020 in Bengaluru, India, focuses on investing in start-ups within the plant-based, fermentation, and cell-cultured foods spaces. The group participated in a significant bridge financing round for Wicked Kitchen in 2022, bringing the company’s external funding to $34 million at the time.
The Ahimsa Foundation’s mission revolves around “investing in a vegan future” to encourage a shift away from animal proteins. Through consolidation in the plant-based sector, Ahimsa Companies aims to enhance the market landscape for sustainable food alternatives. This move comes at a time when the plant-based industry is facing challenges such as changing consumer preferences and market saturation.
Matt Tullman, the group CEO of Ahimsa Companies, expressed plans to target further brand acquisitions beyond Wicked Kitchen, aiming to vertically integrate and leverage resources for industry growth. Wicked Kitchen’s product portfolio spans various categories, including frozen and chilled meals, plant-based meats, seafood, desserts, and snacks.
The acquisition by Ahimsa Companies signifies a strategic move to strengthen Wicked Kitchen’s position in major retail markets like the US and UK. With a vast product range available in leading retailers such as Tesco in the UK and Target, Wal-Mart, and Kroger in the US, Wicked Kitchen continues to cater to health and environmentally-conscious consumers seeking delicious and convenient plant-based options.
Pete Speranza, CEO of Wicked Kitchen, expressed pride in joining forces with Ahimsa Companies, emphasizing the shared mission and commitment to serving discerning consumers who prioritize taste and sustainability. The merger is poised to enhance Wicked Kitchen’s market presence and offerings, reflecting a growing demand for innovative plant-based products in the food and beverage industry.
