Richmond, BC Canada (September 27, 2016) –Nature’s Path announced it has acquired a 51% stake in Gorilly Goods – a raw, on-the-go snack which offers a range of savory to sweet organic and non-GMO nuts, fruits, seeds and greens combinations. As North America’s largest organic breakfast and snack food company, this latest venture by Nature’s Path represents the company’s growth beyond new product innovation and development and adds to a list of previous acquisitions of Que Pasa organic and non-GMO tortilla chips and salsa in 2012 and Country Choice Organics in 2015.
“The first taste I had of Gorilly Goods I wanted more of it,” says Nature’s Path co-CEO and co-founder Arran Stephens. “It was simply delicious and there is nothing else like it.”
Although terms of the deal are not disclosed, Nature’s Path involvement will provide the needed capital for Gorilly Goods to increase its manufacturing and leverage Nature’s Path retail network to expand distribution throughout North America and markets around the world. Adds Stephens, “Gorilly Goods delivers the type of tasty, organic and nutritious on-the-go snacks our consumers seek. Combined with our distribution and sales network, this addition to the Nature’s Path family will be a screaming success.”
Based in Wisconsin where its headquarters will remain, Gorilly Goods reflects Nature’s Path commitment of eating well and doing good. Their industrial kitchen is powered 100 percent by renewable energy and like Nature’s Path EnviroKidz brand, which donates one percent of all sales to 1% for The Planet, Gorilly Goods donates two percent of profits to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
“There is so much to say about the natural alignment between our two companies – the enjoyment of food, life and giving and of course, deliciousness,” says Gorilly Goods co-founder Stephen McDiarmid. “We couldn’t feel more kindred with both the company and the family.” Adds co-founder and CEO, Chris McDiarmid, “Our new partnership represents new opportunities for our employees, improved operations and continuing our commitment to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. We’re ecstatic to be part of such a well respected, trusted and successful organization that has helped grow and shape the organic food industry.”
Gorilly Goods pitched their business concept to Nature’s Path at the company’s first venture funding event at Expo West 2016 called “Seed to Sprout.” Here, three finalists in the organic food industry presented their business and growth opportunities to Arran Stephens, his son Arjan Stephens (EVP Sales & Marketing) and daughter Jyoti Stephens (VP HR & Sustainability) and other Nature’s Path executives which led to the acquisition opportunity. “We discovered Gorilly Goods through our first venture event at Expo West 2016, with everyone on the panel blown away by its taste and quality. I knew we had to be part of such a delicious and healthy organic snack food. From quality, organic commitment and shared values to leave the earth better than you found it, it’s truly a marriage made in heaven,” says Stephens.
Read the full Acquisition Q&A.
About Nature’s Path
Nature’s Path Foods Inc., is a privately held, family-owned company, producing USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified breakfast and snack foods sold in grocery and natural food stores in over 50 countries around the world. Committed to the triple bottom line— socially responsible, environmentally sustainable and financially viable – Nature’s Path works diligently to support communities and champion the cause of people and planet. Brands include Nature’s Path®, Love Crunch®, Qi’a®, Que Pasa®, Flax Plus®, and EnviroKidz®. Founded in 1985, Nature’s Path is headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia and employs hundreds of valued team members at its four facilities in Canada and the United States. Visit www.naturespath.com or follow on Twitter@NaturesPath.
About Gorilly Goods
Gorilly Goods is based in Jackson, Wisconsin and created by Stephen and Chris McDiarmid. Evolving Gorilly Goods over the past 15 years – from handmade batches in their home to an industrial kitchen powered by 100% renewable energy, the company today offers a range of savory to sweet on-the-go organic and non-GMO raw snacks featuring fruits, nuts, seeds, and greens. Two percent of all Gorilly Goods profits are donated to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund which represents the strong symbol of what the company stands for: organic, sustainable and a delicate but powerful balance in the ecosystem. Visit http://www.gorillygoods.com or follow on Twitter @Gorilly_Goods.
