After quietly building its brand of Japanese barbecue sauces over the last several years, the team behind condiment maker Bachan’s was ready to think bigger in 2022. The California-based company expanded from its placement last November in Whole Foods nationwide, launching into new channels and retailers such as Costco, Target, Kroger, Publix and Albertsons, moves that helped attract investors and secure $13 million in new funding.
Bachan’s founder Justin Gill believes his company’s authenticity, taste, devoted customer base and quirky brand ethos has built enough of a moat and generated sufficient momentum to keep the condiment line at the top of the pack. But it’s not just about good looks and taste: the company has also had a keen eye on its financial health, achieving $30 million in sales this year -- just three years after its launch and with only four SKUs -- and plans to hit profitability by year’s end.
