Saco Foods, a prominent US manufacturer of shelf-stable products, has successfully acquired Quinoa Corp., the parent company of the well-known brands Ancient Harvest and Pamela’s. This strategic move, announced for an undisclosed sum, significantly enhances Saco’s portfolio by adding two leading brands within the food and beverage industry.
The acquisition expands Saco’s offerings following its recent transition in ownership in January, when Canada-based Fengate Private Equity and Weathervane Investment Corp. purchased the company from Benford Capital Partners. Quinoa Corp. was acquired from Encore Consumer Capital, marking a significant shift in Saco’s business dynamics.
Ancient Harvest is renowned for being the first company to introduce quinoa to the US market back in 1983. Its diverse product line includes a range of organic, non-GMO, and plant-based foods, featuring various quinoa types, pasta, and polenta.
Pamela’s has established a strong reputation for gluten-free products since its inception in 1988. Their offerings include pancake mixes, baking mixes for both sweet and savory dishes, as well as cookies and snack bars. Both brands are widely distributed in natural food stores and grocery outlets across the US and Canada, in addition to being available on Amazon.
Tom Walzer, CEO of Saco Foods, expressed his enthusiasm, 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.”
John Becker, the former CEO of Quinoa Corp. and now President of Ancient Harvest and Pamela’s, added, “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 sentiment reflects a significant trend in the food and drink business, where collaborations can yield growth and innovation.
Founded in 1973 by Ray Sanna in partnership with his father and brother, Saco Foods specializes in shelf-stable products. The company’s offerings include chocolate chips, dry milk products, and sun-dried tomatoes. It is widely recognized for its chocolate coatings brand, Dolci Frutta. Saco supplies its products through supermarkets, mass retail channels, and online platforms, adapting to evolving food and drink consumer trends.
In conclusion, this acquisition highlights a growing trend in the food and beverage industry, where established brands integrate to ensure sustained growth and innovation, providing value to consumers and solidifying their market position.
