Swander Pace Capital

Swander Pace Capital is a private equity firm established in 1996, focused on mid-market investments in consumer-oriented companies across North America and the United Kingdom. Headquartered in San Francisco, with additional offices in New Jersey and Ontario, the firm specializes in acquiring or investing in growth-oriented consumer products firms that hold strong market positions in defensible niches. Swander Pace Capital leverages its industry expertise to provide portfolio companies with both financial and strategic consulting support aimed at fostering long-term value. The firm has successfully managed investments in consumer companies generating total revenues exceeding $2 billion, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing business performance within the consumer sector.

Virginia Calvo

CFO, CCO

Robert DesMarais

Managing Director

Heather Fraser

Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer

Shawn F. Hecht

MD

Scott Kania

Principal

Anne Lee

Senior Associate

Amy Li

Vice President

Alex Litt

SVP

Tyler Matlock

Managing Director

Reilly Mcclellan

VP

Michael Merriman

Vice President

Megan T. Ough

Associate

Mark Poff

Managing Director

Corby Reese

Senior Advisor & Investment Committee Member

Daniel C. Reese

MD

Valerie Scott

Principal

Karl Stafford

Associate

MO Stout

Managing Director

C. Morris Stout

MD

Dan C. Swander

Operating Partner

Mateo Telles

Associate

Heather Smith Thorne

Managing Director

Robert Vassel

Principal

31 past transactions

Purely Elizabeth

Series B in 2022
Purely Elizabeth is an all natural and organic food company that creates products using the highest quality, nutrient-rich ingredients. We cater to those seeking healthy, delicious, gluten free foods. Our products are certified organic, gluten free, vegan, free of refined sugar and non-GMO project verified. As members of 1% for the Planet, we are committed to healthy eating, healthy living and a healthy planet.

Mommy's Bliss

Acquisition in 2021
Mommy's Bliss is a company dedicated to providing safe and effective natural products for families, particularly targeting babies, children, and expectant mothers. The company specializes in health supplements, including gripe water formula-based products, prenatal multivitamins, minerals, probiotics, and sleep support items. These products are designed to address common issues such as gas, nausea, constipation, low energy, and restlessness. Mommy's Bliss aims to deliver premium-quality health solutions at affordable prices, ensuring the well-being of both mothers and their children.

Mighty Spark Food

Acquisition in 2021
Mighty Spark Food is a producer of craft meat products intended to make meals healthy and easy to prepare.

Mighty Spark Food

Private Equity Round in 2021
Mighty Spark Food is a producer of craft meat products intended to make meals healthy and easy to prepare.

Café Valley

Acquisition in 2019
Café Valley produces high-quality bakery products for in-store bakeries, club stores, food service and convenience stores throughout the world.

Café Valley

Private Equity Round in 2019
Café Valley produces high-quality bakery products for in-store bakeries, club stores, food service and convenience stores throughout the world.

Bragg Live Food

Acquisition in 2019
Bragg Live Food Products, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of organic food products, specializing in apple cider vinegar and its various applications. Founded in 1912 and based in Santa Barbara, California, the company offers a diverse range of items, including apple cider vinegar drinks, extra virgin olive oil, salad dressings, liquid aminos, and various sauces and seasonings. Bragg Live Foods emphasizes the use of certified organic ingredients, aiming to promote a healthy lifestyle through its product offerings. The company distributes its products through a network of distributors, retail stores, and online platforms, both in the United States and internationally. With over a century of experience, Bragg Live Foods remains committed to supporting optimal nutrition and wellness.

Functional Formularies

Acquisition in 2018
Functional Formularies originated in the quiet and beautiful countryside of Wilmington, Ohio. The company was founded by Robin Gentry McGee who over the past several decades has developed a vast knowledge of the food as medicine model. It was only natural for Robin to use her experience and knowledge to help her father and herself when faced with life threatening health issues. After experiencing positive results, she is more determined then ever to make it easier for others by taking the guesswork out of choosing healthy alternatives.

Backerhaus

Private Equity Round in 2018
Backerhaus Veit Ltd., a bakery, engages in the production of breads, rolls, and pretzels. Its products include multigrain and whole grain breads, rye breads, crusty breads, sliced panini breads, ciabatta and foccacia breads, and baguettes and table loaves. The company serves retailers, and food service buyers, including catering, distributor, fast food, hotel, institution, restaurant, theatre, and vending customers. Backerhaus Veit Ltd. was founded in 1986 and is based in Mississauga, Canada.

Functional Formularies

Private Equity Round in 2018
Functional Formularies originated in the quiet and beautiful countryside of Wilmington, Ohio. The company was founded by Robin Gentry McGee who over the past several decades has developed a vast knowledge of the food as medicine model. It was only natural for Robin to use her experience and knowledge to help her father and herself when faced with life threatening health issues. After experiencing positive results, she is more determined then ever to make it easier for others by taking the guesswork out of choosing healthy alternatives.

Fine Choice Foods

Acquisition in 2018
Fine Choice Foods Ltd. is a Canadian-owned, family-run business that specializes in manufacturing and marketing Asian foods for the North American market. Founded in 1986, the company has evolved from a small store in Vancouver into a larger facility in Richmond, employing over 115 people. Fine Choice Foods offers a diverse range of products, including crispy vegetable and pork spring rolls, mini chicken spring rolls, pork and chive wonton soup, and various types of gyoza dumplings. The company is committed to delivering quality Asian cuisine, reflecting its dedication to authentic flavor and culinary tradition.

Fine Choice Foods

Private Equity Round in 2018
Fine Choice Foods Ltd. is a Canadian-owned, family-run business that specializes in manufacturing and marketing Asian foods for the North American market. Founded in 1986, the company has evolved from a small store in Vancouver into a larger facility in Richmond, employing over 115 people. Fine Choice Foods offers a diverse range of products, including crispy vegetable and pork spring rolls, mini chicken spring rolls, pork and chive wonton soup, and various types of gyoza dumplings. The company is committed to delivering quality Asian cuisine, reflecting its dedication to authentic flavor and culinary tradition.

Passport Foods

Acquisition in 2017
Passport Foods has over 170 employees. Founded in 1978, the company began as a family-owned operation with one machine making authentic noodles for Chinese restaurants in Los Angeles. Today Passport offers over 125 product SKUs across a comprehensive range of authentic, boldly-flavored product categories to food retailers and restaurants around the country. Headquartered in Southern California.

Plantfusion

Private Equity Round in 2016
PlantFusion is a manufacturer and seller of plant based protein, supplements.

Swanson Health Products

Acquisition in 2016
SwansonVitamins.com offers guaranteed lowest prices on vitamins, supplements, organic foods and so much more. Family owned since 1969!

Swanson Health Products

Private Equity Round in 2016
SwansonVitamins.com offers guaranteed lowest prices on vitamins, supplements, organic foods and so much more. Family owned since 1969!

Captek Softgel International

Acquisition in 2015
Captek Softgel International, Inc. (CSI) is a privately-owned, FDA registered and audited, GMP-certified, full service contract manufacturer of custom dietary supplement formulations. CSI features high efficiency encapsulation lines operating 24/5, capable of producing over three billion softgels annually. The facility encompasses approximately 85,000 square feet of production, analytical laboratory, pilot laboratory, and warehousing space. Captek fully complies with FDA cGMPs and has been independently certified by NSF International.

Captek Softgel International

Private Equity Round in 2015
Captek Softgel International, Inc. (CSI) is a privately-owned, FDA registered and audited, GMP-certified, full service contract manufacturer of custom dietary supplement formulations. CSI features high efficiency encapsulation lines operating 24/5, capable of producing over three billion softgels annually. The facility encompasses approximately 85,000 square feet of production, analytical laboratory, pilot laboratory, and warehousing space. Captek fully complies with FDA cGMPs and has been independently certified by NSF International.

Voortman Cookies

Acquisition in 2015
Voortman Cookies Limited produces and sells cookies. The company provides roll packs, turnovers, wafers, tubs, and bags; classic, sugar free, Omega 3, and Christmas products. It offers its products in the United States, Canada, and internationally through a distribution network in North America. Voortman Cookies Limited was founded in 1951 and is based in Burlington, Canada. As of January 3, 2020, Voortman Cookies Limited operates as a subsidiary of 2727939 Ontario Inc.

Oregon Ice Cream

Private Equity Round in 2014
Producer of organic ice cream and frozen novelties. The company's ice cream is sold through the natural, club, grocery and foodservice channels.

Recochem

Private Equity Round in 2014
Recochem is a leading Canadian company with a global reputation for quality products and outstanding customer service. For more than 60 years, the Company has been known for innovation, agility, and socially responsible business practices. Recochem operates consumer and industrial divisions, with operations in the Americas, Australia, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. The company’s reputation has earned it vendor appreciation awards and long-standing relationships with its suppliers around the world

Aden & Anais

Private Equity Round in 2014
Aden & Anais provides muslin fabric products for babies and toddlers. It offers a wide range of newborn baby products such as swaddles, blankets, bedtime pajamas, sleeping bags, bandana bibs, changing pad covers, wipes, and diapers.

Cambrian Pet Foods

Private Equity Round in 2012
Cambrian Pet Foods is a U.K. based independent manufacturer of both dried complete and canned pet food supplying both the UK domestic and increasingly the international pet food industry.

Merrick Pet Care

Acquisition in 2010
Merrick Pet Care, Inc. produces dog and cat food and treats. The company offers bites, dental chews, natural bones, biscuits, jerky, and sausages for dogs; and bistro and ingredient diet for cats. It offers its products through pet specialty stores and online retailers in the United States. The company was founded in 1988 and is based in Amarillo, Texas. Merrick Pet Care, Inc. was acquired by Nestlé Purina PetCare Company.

Lavo

Acquisition in 2008
Lavo Inc. manufactures, distributes, and markets laundry detergents and household cleaners in Canada and the Northeastern United States. The company offers bleaches, liquid detergents, liquid fabric softeners, fabric softener sheets, all-purpose cleaners, glass and surface cleaners, cream cleansers, and powder cleansers. It distributes its products through grocery stores, pharmacies, superstore chains, and warehouses. The company also markets sodium hypochlorite for the industrial sector. Lavo Inc. was formerly known as Lavo Ltd. Bleach Company. The company was founded in 1948 and is based in Montreal, Canada. As of July 5, 2017, Lavo Inc. operates as a subsidiary of KIK Custom Products Inc..

Promptu

Series B in 2000
Promptu Systems Corporation specializes in voice recognition and natural language processing applications, offering a global speech user interface designed for converting spoken language into text. The company operates a fully automated Network Speech Recognition platform that ensures privacy, security, scalability, and speed. Its applications, which support 40 languages and dialects, can be tailored for regional accents and allow real-time review and editing of transcribed text. Promptu serves various industries, including automotive and smart television manufacturers, facilitating enhanced user experiences through its advanced voice user interface solutions. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Australia, Promptu was originally known as AgileTV Corporation before rebranding in 2006. The company was founded in 2000 and has significant backing from various investment firms.

Prime Advantage

Series C in 2000
Prime Advantage Corporation operates as a manufacturer's buying consortium to help them to drive down costs, partner with endorsed suppliers, and benchmark industry best practices. It acts as a member and supplier services specialist; and provides members, including industrial manufacturing and food processing companies with access to a network of endorsed suppliers. The company negotiates programs with its endorsed suppliers in the areas of raw materials, components, services, and supplies for its members. It enables members to have access to its cost savings programs, and utilize the collective purchasing power of the group for their raw materials, components, services, and supplies; and endorsed suppliers to have access to final decision makers at member companies who purchase their product or service. Prime Advantage Corporation was founded in 1997 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. As of June 30, 2017, Prime Advantage Corporation operates as a subsidiary of OMNIA Partners.

More.com

Series C in 1999
More.com is an online health, beauty, and wellness store.

ecFood.com

Series A in 1999
ecMarkets, Inc., a strategic sourcing company, provides Web-enabled sourcing software and services for the industrial food sector in the United States. It offers group buying programs, as well as procurement software for dairy, grocery, consumer product, and convenience store industries.