Swander Pace Capital

Swander Pace Capital, established in 1996, is a San Francisco-based private equity firm focusing on middle-market consumer companies. It invests in growth-oriented businesses with leading market positions in attractive niches, spanning sectors such as branded food, personal care, pet products, and e-commerce. With offices in San Francisco, New Jersey, and Toronto, the firm provides strategic and financial support to portfolio companies, aiming to create long-term value. Since inception, Swander Pace Capital has invested in consumer companies with total revenues exceeding $2.0 billion.

Virginia Calvo

CFO and CCO

Alina Costica DiMeglio

VP of investments

Olivia Harris

Senior Analyst

Scott Kania

Principal

Anne Lee

Vice President

Amy Li

Vice President

Alex Litt

Director

Tyler Matlock

Managing Director

Carson McLaughlin

Associate

Michael Merriman

Vice President

Michael Puza

Associate

Valerie Scott

Principal

Karl Stafford

Vice President

Mo Stout

Managing Director

Dan Swander

Operating Partner

42 past transactions

Inovata Foods

Private Equity Round in 2024
Inovata Foods is a North American manufacturer specializing in private label and co-packed frozen entrees. Their product portfolio spans various global cuisines, including Italian, Mexican, Asian, and vegetarian options, catering to both retail and food service sectors in the United States and Canada.

St-Méthode Bakery

Acquisition in 2023
St-Méthode Bakery is a bakery that produce and distributes organic and artisinal bread.

Purely Elizabeth

Series B in 2022
Purely Elizabeth LLC, founded in 2009 and based in Boulder, Colorado, specializes in the manufacture and sale of natural and organic food products. The company focuses on healthy, gluten-free options, offering a variety of items such as muesli, grain-free granola, probiotic granola, oatmeal, and cereals. All products are crafted from high-quality, nutrient-rich ingredients, and are certified organic, vegan, non-GMO, and free from refined sugars. By prioritizing the use of whole grains and superfood seeds, Purely Elizabeth aims to provide consumers with nutritious and delicious breakfast choices while maintaining a commitment to environmental sustainability as a member of 1% for the Planet.

Max Solutions

Seed Round in 2021
Max Solutions seeks to impact its customers, employees, communities and the environment through specialty packaging solutions that support the healthcare and consumer segments.

T-Bev

Private Equity Round in 2021
T-Bev specializes in the production of natural and organic caffeine and functional botanical extracts. The company focuses on providing standardized, premium quality herbal and botanical ingredients tailored for various applications, including functional foods, beverages, and dietary supplements. Additionally, T-Bev manufactures freshly brewed tea powder, natural sweeteners, and tea extracts, catering to the food and beverage, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. By emphasizing customization, T-Bev enables clients to create products that meet their specific requirements.

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 focused on creating healthy and convenient meal options. The company specializes in all-natural chicken and turkey products, emphasizing quality and nutritional value. In addition to providing accessible meal solutions, Mighty Spark Food is committed to social responsibility by contributing to initiatives aimed at combating food insecurity, thereby allowing consumers to enjoy their favorite foods while supporting a greater cause.

Mighty Spark Food

Private Equity Round in 2021
Mighty Spark Food is a producer of craft meat products focused on creating healthy and convenient meal options. The company specializes in all-natural chicken and turkey products, emphasizing quality and nutritional value. In addition to providing accessible meal solutions, Mighty Spark Food is committed to social responsibility by contributing to initiatives aimed at combating food insecurity, thereby allowing consumers to enjoy their favorite foods while supporting a greater cause.

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 Products

Acquisition in 2019
Bragg Live Food Products, Inc. specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of organic health and wellness products, prominently featuring apple cider vinegar. The company's product range includes apple cider vinegar drinks, extra virgin olive oil, salad dressings, liquid aminos, and various seasonings and sauces. Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, Bragg Live Foods is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle through optimal nutrition, utilizing only certified organic ingredients. Its products are available through a network of distributors and retail stores across the United States and internationally, as well as through online platforms, catering to consumers seeking natural and nutritious food options.

Bragg Live Food Products

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Bragg Live Food Products, Inc. specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of organic health and wellness products, prominently featuring apple cider vinegar. The company's product range includes apple cider vinegar drinks, extra virgin olive oil, salad dressings, liquid aminos, and various seasonings and sauces. Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, Bragg Live Foods is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle through optimal nutrition, utilizing only certified organic ingredients. Its products are available through a network of distributors and retail stores across the United States and internationally, as well as through online platforms, catering to consumers seeking natural and nutritious food options.

J.R. Watkins

Private Equity Round in 2018
J.R. Watkins is a manufacturer and supplier of consumer goods specializing in household and personal care products made from natural ingredients. The company offers a range of items including soap, oils, and over-the-counter remedies, all crafted from plant-based materials and enriched with handpicked natural oils and extracts. These products are designed to provide hydration and luxurious nourishment to customers. J.R. Watkins facilitates online shopping, allowing customers to conveniently purchase their products, while also addressing inquiries through phone, email, and online applications.

Functional Formularies

Acquisition in 2018
Functional Formularies, founded by Robin Gentry McGee in Wilmington, Ohio, specializes in developing natural feeding tube formulas made from real, whole food plant-based ingredients. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of the food-as-medicine model, McGee created these products to address personal health challenges faced by her family. The company offers organic, shelf-stable feeding tube formulas that are nutritionally complete and USDA-certified organic. These products are designed to support the body's natural immune system, providing clients with healthy and effective alternatives for nutritional needs.

Backerhaus

Acquisition in 2018
Backerhaus Veit is a bread-baking company that makes pretzels, sandwich bread, gourmet buns, and rolls. They provide bromate-free flour and no food additives for bread products. Their product line includes multigrain buns, onion buns, potato scallion buns, and ciabatta sandwich rolls.

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.

J.R. Watkins

Acquisition in 2018
J.R. Watkins is a manufacturer and supplier of consumer goods specializing in household and personal care products made from natural ingredients. The company offers a range of items including soap, oils, and over-the-counter remedies, all crafted from plant-based materials and enriched with handpicked natural oils and extracts. These products are designed to provide hydration and luxurious nourishment to customers. J.R. Watkins facilitates online shopping, allowing customers to conveniently purchase their products, while also addressing inquiries through phone, email, and online applications.

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.

Reliance Vitamin

Venture Round in 2017
Reliance Vitamin Company, Inc. specializes in providing private label nutritional supplements for independent retailers and practitioners both in the United States and internationally. The company's extensive product range includes shelf-stable probiotics, enteric-coated omega-3s, soft gels, whole food multivitamins, specialty enzymes, and various vitamins and minerals. Additionally, Reliance Vitamin offers liquid nutritional oils, herbal extracts, detox kits, and children’s chewable enzymes, among other health-specific formulas. The company also engages in contract manufacturing services for dietary supplement products. Founded in 1978 and based in Edison, New Jersey, Reliance Vitamin markets its products through a dedicated sales team, serving the health and wellness sector effectively.

Swanson Health Products

Acquisition in 2016
Swanson Health Products is a family-owned business based in Fargo, North Dakota, that has been operating since 1969. It specializes in the online and catalog retail of a wide range of health and wellness products, including vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, sports nutrition items, organic foods, and beauty products. The company is known for offering guaranteed low prices on its extensive selection, making it a prominent player in the health supplement market.

Swanson Health Products

Private Equity Round in 2016
Swanson Health Products is a family-owned business based in Fargo, North Dakota, that has been operating since 1969. It specializes in the online and catalog retail of a wide range of health and wellness products, including vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, sports nutrition items, organic foods, and beauty products. The company is known for offering guaranteed low prices on its extensive selection, making it a prominent player in the health supplement market.

Captek Softgel International

Acquisition in 2015
Captek Softgel International, Inc. is a privately-owned, FDA registered and audited manufacturer based in Cerritos, California, specializing in custom dietary supplement formulations. Founded in 1996, the company offers a diverse 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 produce over three billion softgels annually, utilizing a facility that spans approximately 85,000 square feet, which includes production areas, analytical and pilot laboratories, and warehousing. The company adheres to FDA current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and has received independent certification from NSF International, ensuring the quality and safety of its products for the healthcare sector.

Voortman Cookies

Acquisition in 2015
Voortman Cookies Limited, based in Burlington, Canada, specializes in the production and sale of a diverse range of cookies and wafers. Founded in 1951, the company offers various products, including roll packs, turnovers, and seasonal items, catering to different dietary preferences with options such as classic, sugar-free, and Omega 3 varieties. The baked goods are crafted from quality ingredients like grain oats, coconut, and almonds, and are free from artificial colors, flavors, and high-fructose corn syrup. Voortman Cookies distributes its products throughout the United States, Canada, and internationally, ensuring a wide reach in the North American market. As of early 2020, it operates as a subsidiary of 2727939 Ontario Inc.

Oregon Ice Cream

Private Equity Round in 2014
Oregon Ice Cream specializes in producing frozen desserts, including novelty sandwiches, extruded novelty bars, and packaged frozen treats. The company offers a range of products made from both dairy and dairy-free ingredients, emphasizing flavors derived from organic components. Their ice cream and frozen novelties are distributed through various channels, including natural food stores, grocery retailers, club stores, and foodservice providers.

Recochem

Private Equity Round in 2014
Recochem is a prominent Canadian manufacturer and distributor specializing in aftermarket transportation and household fluids, serving individual, commercial, and industrial clients. With over 60 years of experience, the company is recognized for its innovative and socially responsible business practices. Recochem's product range includes coolants, windshield washes, fuel additives, cooking fuels, and heat transfer fluids, all produced through environmentally friendly processes. The company operates consumer and industrial divisions across the Americas, Australia, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, leveraging a global distribution and production network to provide efficient and cost-effective solutions. Its commitment to quality and customer service has established long-standing relationships with suppliers and earned multiple vendor appreciation awards.

Aden & Anais

Private Equity Round in 2014
Aden & Anais is a manufacturer and designer of premium muslin fabric products specifically for infants and toddlers. The company specializes in a variety of newborn essentials, including multi-purpose swaddles, burpy bibs, dream blankets, sleeping bags, and security blankets. Additionally, it offers nursery bedding and accessories aimed at helping parents create a safe sleep environment for their children. By providing high-quality, functional products, Aden & Anais supports parents in promoting safer sleeping practices and raising awareness about infant care.

Glo Skin Beauty

Private Equity Round in 2013
Glo Skin Beauty is a manufacturer specializing in mineral-based cosmetics and skincare products designed to provide transformative results for skincare professionals and their clients. The company's product line includes skincare and hair care items, as well as a variety of mineral-based makeup products such as blushes, makeup removers, mascaras, liners, and lipsticks. Additionally, Glo Skin Beauty offers advanced skin therapies and home care products suitable for both women and men of all ages, emphasizing a commitment to enhancing beauty and skin health.

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.

Branch Brook Holdings

Private Equity Round in 2012
Branch Brook Holdings is a private equity firm that partners with and invests in growing companies within the natural, organic, and specialty consumer product sectors. It focuses on providing capital, resources, distribution support, and strategic guidance to owners, founders, and management teams of companies operating in areas such as food and beverage, beauty and personal care, vitamins and natural remedies, household products, pet food, and children's products.

Merrick Pet Care

Acquisition in 2010
Merrick Pet Care, Inc. is a prominent producer of natural and organic dog and cat food and treats, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Amarillo, Texas. The company specializes in a diverse range of products, including dry and wet foods, as well as various treats such as bites, dental chews, natural bones, biscuits, jerky, and sausages for dogs, along with bistro and ingredient diets for cats. Committed to quality, Merrick sources its ingredients from local farmers and ensures that all foods are made in the USA, avoiding any ingredients from China. The company's product offerings are widely available through pet specialty stores, national retailers like Petco and PetSmart, and online platforms. In 2012, Merrick enhanced its portfolio by acquiring Castor & Pollux, which includes the ORGANIX and Natural Ultramix brands.

Insight Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition in 2009
Insight Pharmaceuticals, LLC is a privately held consumer products company focused on the over-the-counter (OTC) marketplace. It specializes in the manufacture and distribution of non-prescribed medicines aimed at common ailments such as allergies, colds, flu, diabetes, and indigestion. The company emphasizes an aggressive growth strategy centered on acquiring a well-recognized portfolio of OTC women's health and personal care products. Its products are widely available through drug retailers, supermarkets, and mass merchandisers, reflecting the company's commitment to addressing consumer health needs effectively.

Applegate Farms

Acquisition in 2009
Applegate Farms LLC is a producer of natural and organic meat products based in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Founded in 1987, the company specializes in a range of refrigerated and frozen offerings, including deli meats, hot dogs, bacon, sausages, chicken strips, and organic turkey burgers. Applegate emphasizes the humane treatment of animals, sourcing its meat from farms where animals are raised without antibiotics, hormones, or growth promotants. Their products are crafted without artificial ingredients or preservatives, reflecting a commitment to quality and sustainability. As a subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corporation, Applegate aims to make responsibly raised meat accessible to a broader audience while educating consumers about the importance of food sourcing and production practices.

Lavo

Acquisition in 2008
Lavo is a Canadian company based in Montreal that specializes in manufacturing and distributing eco-friendly laundry detergent and housekeeping products. The company's offerings include bleach, liquid detergents, liquid softeners, sheet softeners, and cream and powder cleansers. These products are marketed through various retail channels such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and megastores, aiming to help customers maintain a clean and healthy home environment.

Gilchrist & Soames

Acquisition in 2007
Gilchrist & Soames, Inc. specializes in providing high-quality cosmetic-grade toiletry collections for hotels, spas, and resorts around the globe. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, with an additional location in Peterborough, England, the company offers a diverse range of products, including hair care items, fragrances, soaps, travel essentials, and bath and body products. Renowned for its commitment to exceptional customer service and environmental sustainability, Gilchrist & Soames has established a strong presence in the luxury hospitality sector, making its products a preferred choice in prestigious establishments worldwide. The company operates as a subsidiary of Sysco Corporation.

Eagle Pack Pet Foods

Acquisition in 2004
Eagle Pack Pet Foods is a producer of premium pet food sold in the independent, specialty pet store channel. It manufactures a broad line of dog and cat foods, with a focus on the premium segment.

Liberté

Acquisition in 2004
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.

Totes Isotoner

Acquisition in 2001
totes»ISOTONER Corporation, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the world's largest marketer of umbrellas, gloves, rainwear, rubber overshoes, and other weather-related accessories. If you’re looking for rain umbrellas, outdoor umbrellas, sun umbrellas even kids umbrellas, our totes brand has them all. From golf umbrellas to automatic open and close folding umbrellas, totes umbrellas will fit your every rain umbrella or sun umbrella need. totes offers screen printed logo umbrellas and promotional umbrellas with your company logo. totes ... we’ve got you covered!

Promptu Systems

Series B in 2000
Promptu Systems Corporation specializes in developing voice recognition and natural language processing applications, focusing on creating a global speech user interface that converts speech to text. The company’s Network Speech Recognition (NSR) platform ensures privacy, security, scalability, and speed, enabling seamless integration of voice user interface applications across various sectors. Promptu's technology serves automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and smart television manufacturers, and its applications support 40 languages and dialects, with capabilities for regional accent optimization and real-time text editing. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Promptu also maintains an office in Robina Town Centre, Australia. Originally known as AgileTV Corporation, the company rebranded in 2006. Major equity holders include Steelpoint Capital Partners, Insight Communications, Lauder Partners, and private investors.

Prime Advantage

Series C in 2000
Prime Advantage Corporation is a buying consortium based in Chicago, Illinois, that serves mid-sized manufacturers, particularly in the industrial manufacturing and food processing sectors. Founded in 1997, the company specializes in helping its members reduce costs through collective purchasing power, enabling them to negotiate favorable terms for raw materials, components, services, and supplies with a network of endorsed suppliers. By leveraging group volume discounts and rebates, Prime Advantage not only lowers overall expenses for its members but also enhances their competitiveness within the market. Additionally, the company provides education, benchmarking, and best practice sharing to further support its members' operational efficiency. Endorsed suppliers benefit from increased market access and streamlined sales processes, creating a mutually advantageous relationship. As of mid-2017, Prime Advantage 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 company 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 comprehensive selection of healthcare products, More.com aims to serve the diverse 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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