Cannae Holdings and KDSA Acquire Majority Stake in The Watkins Company

The Kraft Heinz Company Acquires 85% Stake in Just Spices GmbH

April 26, 2023

Food & Beverage

The Kraft Heinz Company has completed the acquisition of an 85% stake in Germany-based Just Spices GmbH, with the three founders retaining the remaining 15% and continuing to run the business. Kraft Heinz intends to use Just Spices' direct-to-consumer capabilities, product portfolio and analytics to accelerate international growth and expand its Taste Elevation platform, including launching the brand in the U.S. market.

KDSA Investment Partners Acquires Williams Distributors

June 18, 2025

Food & Beverage

KDSA Investment Partners, in partnership with Greyrock Capital Group, has acquired Spokane-based Williams Distributors, the largest independent direct-store-delivery (DSD) distributor of ice cream and frozen foods in the Northwest. KDSA named Tim Valdez as CEO, will support infrastructure and expansion investments, and Tony Williams — the former owner — will remain as President through year-end and serve as an advisor.

Atalanta Corporation Acquires J.A. Kirsch Corporation

January 17, 2024

Food & Beverage

Atalanta Corporation, the largest privately held food importer in North America, has acquired J.A. Kirsch Corporation, a Teaneck, New Jersey-based importer and wholesale distributor of canned seafood and shelf-stable specialty foods. The transaction will expand Atalanta’s portfolio of imported specialty food brands and strengthen its presence in the independent and retail depot segments along the U.S. East Coast; terms were not disclosed.

Frontenac Acquires Monterey Bay Spice Company

January 11, 2021

Food & Beverage

Chicago-based private equity firm Frontenac has acquired Monterey Bay Spice Company (HerbCo), a Watsonville, California-based processor and distributor of botanicals, herbs, teas, essential oils, seasonings and spices, from its founder. Frontenac said it will invest in strategic growth initiatives, add complementary capabilities and work with food industry veteran Bob Aiken (appointed Executive Chairman) to expand Monterey Bay's market penetration across nutraceutical, food & beverage, and health & beauty end markets.

Woodland Gourmet Acquires International Spices

October 27, 2025

Food & Beverage

Woodland Gourmet has acquired International Spices, a developer of custom seasoning blends for snacks, proteins and prepared foods, to expand its custom seasoning and flavor development capabilities across foodservice, retail and industrial channels. The deal strengthens Woodland's product portfolio and manufacturing/commercialization resources; terms were not disclosed.

Astara Capital Partners Acquires Majority Stake in Wyandot Snacks

January 18, 2023

Food & Beverage

Astara Capital Partners has completed an investment in Wyandot Snacks, acquiring a majority stake in the Marion, Ohio-based contract manufacturer of snack foods and cereals. The Brown family will transition ownership while CEO Dewey Armstrong remains in place; Astara said the investment will position Wyandot to be debt-free and provide strategic, operational and financial resources to accelerate growth.