US organic popcorn maker LesserEvil has sold a “significant minority” interest to private-equity firm Aria Growth Partners as part of a funding round.

The size of the stake sold to the New York-based investor was not disclosed, nor was the amount the better-for-you snacks producer raised.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Connecticut-based LesserEvil said secondary participants in the financing included existing investors Valor Equity, Invest Eco and Touch Capital. The funding will be used to expand manufacturing and retail distribution, the company, set up in 2005, said in a statement.

Its popcorn and paleo puff snacks can be found in retailers in the US such as Target, Walmart and Whole Foods Market. The business operates two manufacturing facilities in New Milford and Danbury, both in Connecticut.

The range also features grain-free organic puffs, along with so-called Sun Poppers, Space Balls, Cosmic Rings and Lil’ Puffs.

LesserEvil said its snack products are “healthy, less processed and sustainable”, without providing details to back the claims.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

CEO Charles Coristine said: “We’re excited to have an experienced new partner like Aria join us as we embark on this next phase of accelerated development and take the LesserEvil brand to new heights.

“Our ability to self-manufacture gives us tremendous upside to continue delivering the innovation and better-for-you snacks that consumers crave.”

Just Food has reached out to LesserEvil to establish the nature of the operational set-up, its growth rates and funding to date.

Meanwhile, Aria Growth partner Trevor Nelson said: “We know how hard it is to build such a high-growth and highly profitable, mainstream food brand. It’s a testament to their ingenuity and discipline that they’ve been able to create a beloved brand and a first-rate business as well.”

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact