Swander Pace Capital

Swander Pace Capital is a private equity firm established in 1996 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in mid-market investments within growth-oriented consumer sectors across North America and the United Kingdom. It focuses on acquiring or investing in consumer products companies that hold leading market positions in attractive and defensible niches, including branded food, personal care, and pet products, among others. With additional offices in New Jersey and Ontario, Swander Pace Capital offers portfolio companies a blend of financial and strategic consulting support aimed at generating long-term value. The firm has successfully managed investments in numerous consumer companies with combined revenues exceeding $2 billion, demonstrating its expertise and commitment to the consumer sector.

Virginia Calvo

CFO, CCO

Olivia Harris

Senior Analyst

Scott Kania

Principal

Anne Lee

Vice President

Amy Li

Vice President

Alex Litt

Director

Tyler Matlock

Managing Director and Investment Committee Member

Carson McLaughlin

Associate

Michael Merriman

Vice President

Michael Puza

Associate

Valerie Scott

Principal

Karl Stafford

Vice President

MO Stout

Managing Director

Dan C. Swander

Operating Partner

33 past transactions

Purely Elizabeth

Series B in 2022
Purely Elizabeth LLC, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, specializes in the manufacturing and sale of natural and organic food products. The company offers a range of gluten-free items, including muesli, grain-free granola, probiotic granola, oatmeal, and cereals. Committed to using high-quality, nutrient-rich ingredients, Purely Elizabeth's products are certified organic, vegan, non-GMO, and free from refined sugars and artificial additives. The company aims to provide nutritious breakfast options that cater to health-conscious consumers while promoting a sustainable environment, as evidenced by its membership in 1% for the 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 health and wellness products, primarily known for its apple cider vinegar offerings. Founded in 1912 and based in Santa Barbara, California, the company provides a range of products that includes apple cider vinegar drinks, extra virgin olive oil, various salad dressings, liquid aminos, and nutritional seasonings. These products are crafted using certified organic ingredients to support a healthy lifestyle and are available through distributors, retail stores, and online channels both in the United States and internationally. Bragg Live Foods has established itself as a trusted brand in the health and wellness market, promoting optimal nutrition for over a century.

J.R. Watkins

Private Equity Round in 2018
Manufacturer of household and personal care products made from natural ingredients. The company's products are made with natural over-the-counter remedies, made with plant-based ingredients, handpicked ingredients like natural oils and extracts to ensure hydration and luxurious nourishment for its customers.

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 Food Group, LLC, known as Wing Hing Noodle Company, is a food production and supply company based in Ontario, California, with an additional office in Asia. Founded in 1978, it originally started as a family-owned business focused on producing authentic noodles for Chinese restaurants. Today, Passport Foods has expanded its offerings to include over 125 product SKUs, catering to various markets such as restaurant, hospitality, education, food manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. The company specializes in Southeast Asian noodles, wraps, cookies, crispy products, dry groceries, rice, tofu, and a range of Asian ingredients. Additionally, Passport Foods provides sourcing services to its customers, maintaining a commitment to delivering bold flavors and authentic products. With a workforce of over 170 employees, the company continues to grow while honoring its roots in traditional food production.

Plantfusion

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

Swanson Health Products

Acquisition in 2016
Swanson Health Products is a family-owned business based in Fargo, North Dakota, specializing in the retail of nutritional supplements. Since its establishment in 1969, the company has focused on providing a wide range of health and wellness products, including vitamins, minerals, sports nutrition, and natural food items. Swanson Health Products also offers beauty products, catering to various consumer needs. The company operates through an online platform and catalog, ensuring customers access to competitively priced products.

Swanson Health Products

Private Equity Round in 2016
Swanson Health Products is a family-owned business based in Fargo, North Dakota, specializing in the retail of nutritional supplements. Since its establishment in 1969, the company has focused on providing a wide range of health and wellness products, including vitamins, minerals, sports nutrition, and natural food items. Swanson Health Products also offers beauty products, catering to various consumer needs. The company operates through an online platform and catalog, ensuring customers access to competitively priced products.

Captek Softgel International

Acquisition in 2015
Captek Softgel International, Inc. is a privately-owned contract manufacturer based in Cerritos, California, specializing in custom dietary supplement formulations. Founded in 1996, the company produces a wide range of products, including vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, herbals, botanicals, oil softgel capsules, specialty softgel products, and vegetarian capsules. Captek operates high-efficiency encapsulation lines that run 24 hours a day, five days a week, with an annual production capacity exceeding three billion softgels. The facility spans approximately 85,000 square feet and includes production areas, analytical and pilot laboratories, and warehousing space. Captek is committed to quality, fully complying with FDA current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and holding certifications from NSF International.

Captek Softgel International

Private Equity Round in 2015
Captek Softgel International, Inc. is a privately-owned contract manufacturer based in Cerritos, California, specializing in custom dietary supplement formulations. Founded in 1996, the company produces a wide range of products, including vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, herbals, botanicals, oil softgel capsules, specialty softgel products, and vegetarian capsules. Captek operates high-efficiency encapsulation lines that run 24 hours a day, five days a week, with an annual production capacity exceeding three billion softgels. The facility spans approximately 85,000 square feet and includes production areas, analytical and pilot laboratories, and warehousing space. Captek is committed to quality, fully complying with FDA current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and holding certifications from 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.

Glo Skin Beauty

Private Equity Round in 2013
Manufacturer of mineral-based cosmetics and skincare products intended to deliver transformative results for skincare professionals and their clients. The company offers skin, hair care and mineral-based make-up products including blushes, make-up removers, mascaras, liners and lipsticks, providing advanced skin therapies and home care products for women and men of all ages.

Cambrian Pet Foods

Private Equity Round in 2012
Cambrian Pet Foods is a UK-based independent manufacturer specializing in both dried complete and canned pet food. The company supplies a diverse range of wet and dry pet food products, catering to the needs of pet owners looking to provide nutritious meals that support the health and development of their pets. In addition to serving the domestic market, Cambrian Pet Foods is expanding its presence in the international pet food industry.

Liberté

Private Equity Round in 2010
In 1936, Liberté began manufacturing cream and cottage cheeses near downtown Montréal on the corner of Saint-Urbain and Duluth streets, which today is home to Café Santropol. As the company grew, production maintained a traditional and artisanal character. After relocating to Brossard in 1964, Liberté continued to manufacture cream cheese and began producing yogurt. With the success of this new endeavour, the company then developed an increasing number of products, all the while upholding its standards of quality and purity. In 2008, Liberté acquired a plant in Saint-Hyacinthe to support its expansion.

Merrick Pet Care

Acquisition in 2010
Merrick Pet Care, Inc., based in Amarillo, Texas, specializes in producing high-quality dog and cat food and treats. Founded in 1988, the company is recognized for its commitment to natural and organic pet nutrition, crafting products made from real whole foods using fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers. Merrick's extensive product line includes dry and wet foods, as well as various treats such as bites, dental chews, jerky, and sausages for dogs, along with bistro and ingredient diet options for cats. The company distributes its products through pet specialty stores, including Petco, and various online retailers across the United States. In 2012, Merrick expanded its offerings by acquiring Castor & Pollux, adding well-known brands such as ORGANIX, Natural Ultramix, and Good Buddy to its portfolio. All products are made in the USA, emphasizing the absence of ingredients sourced from China.

Lavo

Acquisition in 2008
Manufacturer of eco-friendly laundry detergent and housekeeping products based in Montreal, Canada. The company is engaged in distributing and marketing bleach, liquid detergents, liquid softeners, sheet softeners and cream and powder cleansers through grocery stores, pharmacies and megastores, thereby enabling the customer to keep a healthy and clean environment at home.

Pineridge Bakery

Private Equity Round in 2004
Pineridge Bakery is a leading Canadian specialty bakery, manufacturing and marketing frozen and fresh specialty baked goods produced by two operating subsidiaries, Oakrun Farm Bakery and Gourmet Baker. The company sells private label and branded products in the foodservice, in-store bakery, convenience and grocery channels in North America

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 retailer specializing in health, beauty, and wellness products. The platform operates as an e-drug store, offering a wide range of items including over-the-counter health and beauty aids, prescription medications, vision care products, nutritional supplements, and baby products. By providing a diverse selection of healthcare products, More.com aims to meet the needs of consumers seeking convenient access to essential health and wellness items.

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.
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