What Rind’s latest acquisition means for the healthy snacking space
The acquisition of Vermont-based Small Batch Organics marks “the start of a fruitful new chapter in Rind’s journey as a leading, better-for-you snack brand,” said Rind founder and CEO Matt Weiss.
While several consumer packaged brands are scaling back in reaction to shifting market dynamics, the company has taken the bull by the horns to strengthen its standing in the BFY – and better-for-the-planet – snacking space.
According to Statistica, the US Snack Food market is projected to grow to $132.8bn over the next four years, and Rind is poised to proactively seize the multiple opportunities that will bring. At a time when many brands are on the defence, this will set it up for long term success.
Maximizing nutrition while minimizing waste
Granola specialist Small Batch is known for its product innovation and manufacturing expertise and considered a natural extension of Rind’s mission to bring sustainable foods – that maximize nutrition and minimize waste – to more customers.
“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,” said Weiss.
The bolt-on brings manufacturing and fulfilment completely inhouse, vertically integrating Rind’s supply chain – including a footprint that spans approximately 12,000 retail stores. Alongside improved efficiencies, cashflow is expected to increase and Rind projects its revenue will more than double, slated to generate over $25m in retail sales by year’s end.
Reducing its environmental impact has been a core focus for Rind since its founding in 2018. The brand quickly emerged as a sustainable snack leader through its use of upcycled, whole fruit, diverting more than one million pounds of food waste from landfills annually.
The acquisition of Small Batch means it now has a higher degree of quality control over production and its impact on the back end. Furthermore, Small Batch shares the same commitment to sustainability through its use of 100% solar energy and renewable packaging.
“Rind and Small Batch share a special kinship,” said Small Batch founder Lindsay Martin.
“Our products and values are highly complementary, and we’re thrilled to be joining forces with Rind on its mission to produce delicious and sustainable snacks for people and planet.”
On completion of the deal – of which financial details were not disclosed – Martin will oversee production and NPD for the combined business.
Small Batch’s products will be rebranded as Rind over the course of the year, including the release of several collaborative innovations.
Upcycled cherries
The first joint product elevates Rind from snack brand into an even bigger natural foods business. Cherry Cashew Crunch snack mix features upcycled cherries, spiced cashews and vanilla granola clusters, and like all Rind’s products, is Upcycled certified, non-GMO Verified, Kosher and naturally vegan and gluten free.
The snack is the first in Rind’s Remix line and hits Sam’s Club stores across the US this month, along with select Walmart, Wegman’s and Hudson News locations in the spring. It’s also available on Amazon, Misfits and Thrive Markets.
