M&A

Better-for-you meat snack maker Western Smokehouse Partners acquired Texas-based hand-crafted jerky and meat products producer Junior’s Smokehouse this week.

Odeko announced today it has acquired Washington, D.C.-based specialty food and beverage distributor District Distribution as it works to build an anchor in the Mid-Atlantic region to access local products and vendors.

Brynwood Partners is continuing its recent streak of M&A deals, selling private label take-and-bake pizza producer Great Kitchens Food Company to Rich Products Corporation.

Zing Bars founder David Ingalls has reacquired his plant-based protein bar brand from the American Licorice Company with support from Dunedain Ventures, ending a multiyear strategic partnership with the maker of Red Vines and Sour Punch candy brands.

Canadian jams, jellies, and spreads producer Crofter’s Organic has been acquired by food-focused private equity platform Power Sustainable Lios, with co-investments from Farm Credit Canada, BMO Capital Partners, and the Latka family, who founded the brand in 1989.

HighKey Cookies parent company Creations Foods has merged with Get Real Foods, the maker of REAL Cookies, to create a vertically-integrated CPG platform “dedicated to healthier, better-for-you snacking across North America,” the company said.

Bakery ingredients manufacturer Puratos acquired Vör Foods, a producer of nut butter and nut-based fillings. Financial terms were not disclosed.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery discuss Beyond Meat’s expansion beyond meat alternatives, Prime’s foray into protein shakes, DayDayCook’s exit from the U.S., and Chameleon Cold Brew’s future under new ownership.

Global food giant Smithfield Foods announced today that it has agreed to acquire hot dog brand Nathan’s Famous in an all-cash transaction valued at $450 million.

Private investment firm Highlander Partners has acquired hot sauce brand Tapatío from the Saavedra family, who will retain a minority position in the company following the close of the transaction.