SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Equity Partners, a private equity firm focused on expansion-stage companies in the consumer industry, has acquired a majority stake in Red Monkey Foods, a Springfield, Mo.-based maker of organic spices, seasonings and other natural dry food products. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 2002, Red Monkey Foods operates out of a facility in Springfield. The company manages private label programs for many of the nation’s largest retailers, including Target, Safeway and Cost Plus World Market. The company also sells spices and seasonings under the Good Flavors brand.
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| Scott Potter, managing partner at San Francisco Equity Partners |
“Red Monkey Foods is at the intersection of two clear trends in the food industry: the rise of gourmet store brand programs and the continued growth of organic products in numerous categories,” said Scott Potter, managing partner at San Francisco Equity Partners. “The company has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, bringing on new retail partners and expanding to additional premium dry food categories such as seasoned ancient grains. We look forward to supporting Jeff (Brinkhoff, founder and chief executive officer of Red Monkey Foods) and his team with financial, strategic and operational support as they capture the large growth opportunity in front of the company.”
Mr. Brinkhoff said Red Monkey was seeking a partner with “deep experience” in the retail channels in which the company operates, as well as a partner that demonstrated an ability to help consumer businesses scale profitably.
“Given their track record with leading natural brands such as Method and Yes To, coupled with their experience with multiple premium store-brand businesses, SFEP will be an ideal partner for us at this key juncture in our company’s expansion,” Mr. Brinkhoff said.
