Rind Snacks, a US-based dried fruit brand, has announced the acquisition of Small Batch Organics, a Vermont-based granola manufacturer, for an undisclosed amount. The deal is expected to enhance Rind’s supply chain, margin growth, and private label business.
A strategic move for Rind Snacks
Rind Snacks was founded in 2018 with a mission to minimize waste by making upcycled fruit snacks from whole fruits, including the peels and cores. The company claims that its products are high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, and have no added sugar, sulfites, or preservatives.
The acquisition of Small Batch Organics, which was established in 2014, is Rind’s first acquisition and a major milestone in its evolution from a leading dried fruit brand into a vertically-integrated healthy snack platform. Small Batch Organics produces organic granola, granola bark, and granola bites, using gluten-free oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
According to Rind, the deal will help the company to:
- Secure its supply chain by owning and operating its own manufacturing facility in Manchester, Vermont.
- Drive significant margin growth and operating efficiencies through vertical integration, economies of scale, and operational synergies.
- Expand into the private label business by leveraging Small Batch Organics’ existing relationships with retailers such as Costco, Whole Foods, and Sprouts.
A natural fit for both brands
Rind and Small Batch Organics share a common vision of creating healthy, delicious, and sustainable snacks from natural ingredients. Both brands also emphasize the use of upcycled fruits, such as cherries, blueberries, and cranberries, to reduce food waste and environmental impact.
Matt Weiss, co-founder and CEO of Rind, said: “The addition of Small Batch and its dedicated team enhances our ability to craft premium, healthy and innovative snacks for more customers in a flexible and highly scalable manner.”
Lindsay Martin, founder of Small Batch Organics, will oversee production and new product development for the combined business. Martin said: “Rind and Small Batch share a special kinship that makes this outcome such a natural fit. Our products and values are highly complementary.”
The combined business will sell into around 12,000 retail stores and is slated to generate over $25 million in retail sales by the end of the year. Small Batch Organics’ products will be rebranded as Rind during 2024.
A collaborative innovation to launch soon
The first joint product of Rind and Small Batch Organics will be Rind Cherry Cashew Crunch, a snack that combines upcycled cherries, cashews, and vanilla granola clusters. The product will be available at retailers such as Walmart and Wegman’s soon.
The product is said to offer a satisfying crunch, a burst of tartness, and a hint of sweetness, while delivering 5 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein per serving. It is also gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO.
Weiss said: “We’re thrilled to introduce Cherry Cashew Crunch as the first of several collaborative innovations between Rind and Small Batch. This product showcases the best of both brands and delivers on our promise of making snacking more fruitful.”