Fenwick Food Group has snapped up fellow US business Wickles Pickles, a supplier of pickles and spreads.
Financial details of the deal, announced by CPG investor and Fenwick Food Group owner Fenwick Brands, were not disclosed.
Wickles Pickles was formed in 1998 by brothers Will and Trey Sim alongside Andy Anderson, as part of the supplier company Sims Foods. The company manufactures pickled products including pickled garlic, okra, dill chips, relish and a spicy pickled red pepper sandwich spread.
In a statement, Fenwick Food Group described the new partnership as “synergistic”, given Wickles was “hitting an inflection point where investment and additional resourcing was needed for scale”.
Commenting on the deal, Wickles Pickles co-founder Will Sims said: “Fenwick is the perfect partner to accelerate the brand’s growth trajectory while preserving its identity and operating roots. We’re excited to see Wickles get the resources and investment it deserves to scale.”
Melissa Baker, president and CEO of Fenwick Food Group, added that both companies “were aligned on the long-term vision and strategy for the brand, which cemented the partnership.”
The VC group also owns local brand Moore’s Marinades and Sauces, which produces condiments such as buffalo, honey BBQ and spicy habanero sauces, and teriyaki marinades.
Having two Alabama-based brands under its belt makes the acquisition “more relational than transactional”, Baker added.
Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Fenwick Food Group describes itself as “an operating platform for food businesses”.
The Wickles business, which has up until now been based in Dadeville, Alabama, is expected to move its headquarters to Birmingham, where Moore’s main offices are also located.
“Our long-term strategy is to curate a food platform with a handful of brands that could benefit from a shared team, investment and operational synergies,” Baker said, speaking on Fenwick Food Group’s investment plan.
“Scale is becoming increasingly more difficult and expensive, and we want to help similar brands with strong consumer demand stay around.
Wickles Pickles has been contacted for more information on its suppliers in the US, its number of production sites and employees.
