Private Equity Firm Acquires Caulipower Brand
A well-known plant-based brand, Caulipower, has recently been acquired by the private equity firm Paine Schwartz Partners. The acquisition brings together Caulipower’s innovative products with Urban Farmer, another brand under Paine Schwartz’s umbrella that specializes in specialty dough products.
Paine Schwartz Partners plans to leverage Urban Farmer’s manufacturing capabilities with Caulipower’s extensive distribution network and commitment to innovation. This strategic move will enable Urban Farmer to reach a wider audience and offer a variety of better-for-you frozen products under both branded and private label lines.
Transforming Comfort Food
Chris Jaromin, CEO of Urban Farmer, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating, “CAULIPOWER has transformed how people think about comfort food. The brand’s dedication to creating accessible and delicious better-for-you options aligns perfectly with Urban Farmer’s mission to deliver quality products through culinary innovation. Together, we aim to bring nutritious and craveable foods to more households across the nation.”
Caulipower, founded in 2016 by Gail Becker, was inspired by her sons’ dietary restrictions due to Celiac disease. The brand quickly gained popularity with its cauliflower crust pizzas, becoming the top-selling product in its category within 18 months and the leading gluten-free pizza brand in the U.S. Since then, Caulipower has expanded its offerings to include frozen breaded chicken, pizza snacks, and single-serve entrees.
Former PepsiCo executive Tyler Ricks was appointed to lead Caulipower, guiding the brand through a period of growth and product expansion. With an estimated annual sales of over $120 million, Caulipower is poised for continued success in the plant-based food market.
This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Caulipower and Urban Farmer, as they join forces to bring innovative and nutritious food options to a broader audience. The partnership between these two brands is set to reshape the plant-based food landscape and offer consumers more choices for healthier dining experiences.