Saco Foods, a Middleton, Wisconsin-based manufacturer of branded and niche foods, has acquired Quinoa Corp. and its brands – Ancient Harvest and Pamela’s – from Encore Consumer Capital. Saco is a portfolio company of Fengate Private Equity and Weathervane Investment Corp.
The Ancient Harvest brand was founded in 1983 and is credited with pioneering the sale of quinoa in the U.S., according to the press release announcing the deal. Today, the brand offers high-quality, plant-based products, including gluten-free pasta, polenta and quinoa.
Pamela’s, which was acquired by Quinoa Corp. in 2019, was founded in 1988 and produces gluten-free baking mixes and baked goods, including pancake mixes, snack bars and flour, as well as gluten-free graham crackers and fruit-filled cookies.
Quinoa Corp. CEO John Becker will become president of Ancient Harvest and Pamela’s under the Saco Foods umbrella. Saco acquired Solo Foods in January of this year, shortly after it was acquired by its current private equity owner. The company adds the Ancient Harvest and Pamela’s brands to its portfolio, which includes Saco Pantry, Dolci Frutta, California Sun Dry, Hoosier Hill Farm and Solo Foods.
The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
