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, 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 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 is a Boulder, Colorado-based company founded in 2009 that specializes in the production of natural and organic food products, focusing on healthy and delicious gluten-free options. The company's product line includes muesli, grain-free granola, probiotic granola, oatmeal, and cereals, all made from high-quality, nutrient-rich ingredients. Purely Elizabeth's offerings are certified organic, gluten-free, vegan, free from refined sugars, and non-GMO project verified, catering to health-conscious consumers. In addition to promoting healthy eating and living, the company is committed to environmental sustainability as a member of 1% for the Planet. Through its dedication to quality and nutrition, Purely Elizabeth aims to provide affordable products that support wellness without compromising on taste.

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 is a manufacturer specializing in natural and organic caffeine and functional botanical extracts. The company provides standardized, premium quality herbal and botanical ingredients for applications in the food and beverage, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. With a focus on delivering tailor-made products, T-Bev offers a range of offerings including freshly brewed tea powder, natural sweeteners, natural resveratrol, and various tea extracts. By emphasizing high-quality ingredients, T-Bev aims to meet the diverse needs of its clients in the functional food, beverage, and dietary supplement markets.

Mommy's Bliss

Acquisition in 2021
Mommy's Bliss is a company that specializes in providing safe, effective, and natural health supplements designed for families, including babies, children, and expectant mothers. The company offers a range of products, primarily focused on gripe water formulas, prenatal multivitamins, minerals, probiotics, sleep support, and immunity boosters. These products aim to address various common issues such as gas, nausea, constipation, low energy, and restlessness in both mothers and their children. Mommy's Bliss is committed to delivering high-quality health solutions at affordable prices, ensuring that families have access to the support they need for optimal well-being.

Mighty Spark Food

Acquisition in 2021
Mighty Spark Food is a producer of craft meat products focused on creating healthy and easy-to-prepare meal options. The company specializes in all-natural chicken and turkey, ensuring that its offerings are both nutritious and accessible. In addition to its commitment to quality food, Mighty Spark Food actively engages in efforts to combat food insecurity, contributing to the community and allowing individuals to enjoy their meals without difficulty.

Mighty Spark Food

Private Equity Round in 2021
Mighty Spark Food is a producer of craft meat products focused on creating healthy and easy-to-prepare meal options. The company specializes in all-natural chicken and turkey, ensuring that its offerings are both nutritious and accessible. In addition to its commitment to quality food, Mighty Spark Food actively engages in efforts to combat food insecurity, contributing to the community and allowing individuals to enjoy their meals without difficulty.

Café Valley

Acquisition in 2019
Café Valley is a manufacturer of high-quality baked goods, catering to in-store bakeries, club stores, food service, and convenience stores globally. The company offers a diverse range of products, including muffins, bundt cakes, ring cakes, loaf cakes, danishes, turnovers, croissants, and cafe bites. With a focus on delivering superior bakery items, Café Valley serves various retail and food service sectors, ensuring accessibility for consumers seeking fresh and delicious baked products.

Café Valley

Private Equity Round in 2019
Café Valley is a manufacturer of high-quality baked goods, catering to in-store bakeries, club stores, food service, and convenience stores globally. The company offers a diverse range of products, including muffins, bundt cakes, ring cakes, loaf cakes, danishes, turnovers, croissants, and cafe bites. With a focus on delivering superior bakery items, Café Valley serves various retail and food service sectors, ensuring accessibility for consumers seeking fresh and delicious baked products.

Bragg Live Food Products

Acquisition in 2019
Bragg Live Food Products, Inc. is a company based in Santa Barbara, California, that specializes in manufacturing and distributing organic health and wellness products. Founded in 1912, Bragg offers a diverse range of items, including its well-known apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salad dressings, liquid aminos, and various sauces and seasonings. The company focuses on using high-quality certified organic ingredients to create products that promote a healthy lifestyle. Bragg's offerings are available through distributors, retail stores, and online platforms, catering to a growing market of health-conscious consumers seeking natural alternatives to support their dietary needs.

Bragg Live Food Products

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Bragg Live Food Products, Inc. is a company based in Santa Barbara, California, that specializes in manufacturing and distributing organic health and wellness products. Founded in 1912, Bragg offers a diverse range of items, including its well-known apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salad dressings, liquid aminos, and various sauces and seasonings. The company focuses on using high-quality certified organic ingredients to create products that promote a healthy lifestyle. Bragg's offerings are available through distributors, retail stores, and online platforms, catering to a growing market of health-conscious consumers seeking natural alternatives to support their dietary needs.

J.R. Watkins

Private Equity Round in 2018
J.R. Watkins is a manufacturer and supplier of household and personal care products, specializing in offerings made from natural ingredients. The company provides a diverse range of items, including soap, oil, and over-the-counter remedies, all crafted from plant-based and handpicked ingredients to ensure hydration and luxurious nourishment. J.R. Watkins products are available for purchase online, and the company addresses customer inquiries through various channels, including phone, email, and online applications.

Functional Formularies

Acquisition in 2018
Functional Formularies, based in Wilmington, Ohio, is a company dedicated to creating natural feeding tube formulas made from real, whole food plant-based ingredients. Founded by Robin Gentry McGee, who has extensive knowledge of the food as medicine approach, the company emerged from her personal experiences with health challenges faced by her family. Functional Formularies aims to simplify the process of selecting healthy nutritional alternatives by offering organic, whole food, shelf-stable feeding tube formulas. These products are designed to be nutritionally complete and USDA-certified organic, supporting the body's natural immune system and promoting overall health.

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 family-owned business established in 1986, specializing in the manufacture and marketing of Asian foods for the North American market. Based in Richmond, Canada, the company offers a diverse range of products, including hand-rolled spring rolls, potstickers, and wontons, among others. Over the years, Fine Choice Foods has expanded significantly from its origins as a small store in Vancouver, growing to employ over 115 people in its manufacturing plant. The company is committed to delivering high-quality Asian cuisine, catering to the preferences of North American consumers.

J.R. Watkins

Acquisition in 2018
J.R. Watkins is a manufacturer and supplier of household and personal care products, specializing in offerings made from natural ingredients. The company provides a diverse range of items, including soap, oil, and over-the-counter remedies, all crafted from plant-based and handpicked ingredients to ensure hydration and luxurious nourishment. J.R. Watkins products are available for purchase online, and the company addresses customer inquiries through various channels, including phone, email, and online applications.

Passport Foods

Acquisition in 2017
Passport Foods, operating under the name Wing Hing Noodle Company, is a leading producer and supplier of diverse food products tailored for various markets, including restaurant, hospitality, education, food manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. Founded in 1978, the company started as a family-owned business in Los Angeles, initially focusing on authentic noodles for Chinese restaurants. Over the years, it has expanded its offerings to include Southeast Asian noodles, wraps, cookies, and crispy products, as well as a range of dry groceries such as sauces, spices, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, and tofu products. With a portfolio of over 125 product SKUs, Passport Foods emphasizes authentic and boldly-flavored items. The company also provides sourcing services to meet customer needs. Headquartered in Ontario, California, it operates an additional office in Asia and employs over 170 individuals.

Reliance Vitamin

Venture Round in 2017
Reliance Vitamin Company, Inc. is a health and wellness company based in Edison, New Jersey, specializing in private label nutritional supplements for independent retailers and practitioners both domestically and internationally. Founded in 1978, the company offers a diverse range of products, including probiotics, omega-3s, soft gels, multivitamins, specialty enzymes, plant sterols, and various health-specific formulas. Additionally, Reliance Vitamin provides contract manufacturing services for dietary supplement products. The company's sales team is responsible for distributing its extensive line of supplements, which also includes liquid herbal extracts and children's chewable enzymes, among other offerings.

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, founded in 1951 and based in Burlington, Canada, specializes in the production and sale of a diverse range of baked goods, particularly cookies and wafers. The company's product line includes roll packs, turnovers, and seasonal items, catering to various dietary preferences with options such as classic, sugar-free, and Omega 3 varieties. Voortman Cookies is committed to quality, ensuring that its products are made from wholesome ingredients like grain oats, coconut, and almonds, while avoiding artificial colors, flavors, and high-fructose corn syrup. The company distributes its offerings throughout the United States, Canada, and internationally, establishing a solid presence in the North American market. As of early 2020, Voortman Cookies operates as a subsidiary of 2727939 Ontario Inc.

Oregon Ice Cream

Private Equity Round in 2014
Oregon Ice Cream is a manufacturer specializing in frozen desserts, offering a range of products including novelty sandwiches, extruded novelty bars, and packaged frozen desserts. They produce both dairy-based and dairy-free options, with flavors derived from organic ingredients. The company's products are distributed through natural, club, grocery, and foodservice channels.

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 an independent manufacturer based in the United Kingdom that specializes in producing both dried complete and canned pet food. The company supplies its products to the domestic pet food market and is expanding its reach into international markets. Cambrian Pet Foods offers a diverse range of wet and dry pet foods designed to provide nutritious options for pet owners, promoting the healthy development of pets.

Branch Brook Holdings

Private Equity Round in 2012
Branch Brook Holdings partners with growing companies in the natural, organic, and specialty sectors, focusing on food and beverage, beauty and personal care, vitamins and natural remedies, household products, pet food, and children's products. The firm collaborates closely with owners, founders, and management teams to provide essential capital, resources, and distribution support. In addition, Branch Brook Holdings offers strategic guidance to help these companies navigate challenges and seize growth opportunities in their respective markets.

Merrick Pet Care

Acquisition in 2010
Merrick Pet Care, Inc. is a prominent producer of natural and organic pet food based in Amarillo, Texas, founded in 1988. The company specializes in crafting nutritious and wholesome meals for dogs and cats, offering a diverse range of products including dry and wet foods, treats, dental chews, biscuits, jerky, and sausages. Committed to using only high-quality ingredients sourced from local farmers, Merrick ensures that its products are made in the USA without any ingredients from China. The company's offerings are available nationally through pet specialty stores, major retailers like Petco and PetSmart, as well as online platforms. In 2012, Merrick expanded its portfolio by acquiring Castor & Pollux, which includes popular brands such as ORGANIX and Natural Ultramix.

Insight Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition in 2009
Insight Pharmaceuticals, LLC is a privately held consumer products company focused on transforming the over-the-counter (OTC) marketplace. The company manufactures and distributes non-prescribed medicines aimed at addressing common health ailments, including allergies, colds, flu, diabetes, and indigestion. Insight Pharmaceuticals employs an aggressive growth strategy that includes acquiring a recognizable portfolio of OTC products specifically tailored for women's health and personal care. Its products are available through various retail channels, including drugstores, supermarkets, and mass merchandisers, positioning the company as a key player in the OTC industry.

Applegate Farms

Acquisition in 2009
Applegate Farms LLC, founded in 1987 and based in Bridgewater, New Jersey, specializes in the production and sale of natural and organic meat products. The company offers a wide range of refrigerated items, including deli meats, hot dogs, bacon, and sausages, as well as frozen products such as burgers and breakfast sausage. Applegate Farms is committed to sourcing meat from animals raised humanely without antibiotics or hormones, ensuring their products are free from chemical nitrates, artificial ingredients, and preservatives. The company's mission, encapsulated in the phrase "Changing the Meat We Eat," emphasizes accessibility to high-quality, responsibly produced meats while also focusing on educating consumers and supporting sustainable farming practices. As of 2015, Applegate operates as a subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corporation.

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. is a distinguished provider of cosmetic-grade toiletry collections tailored for hotels, spas, and resorts across the globe. Established in 1975, the company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, with an additional location in Peterborough, England. Gilchrist & Soames offers a diverse range of products, including hair care, fragrances, soaps, and various bath and body items. Renowned for its commitment to quality and customer service, the brand is recognized among the finest in the industry, supplying prestigious establishments worldwide. In addition to its luxurious offerings, the company is dedicated to environmental stewardship, making it a preferred partner for those who value excellence in hospitality and service.

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. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Robina Town Centre, Australia, the company provides a global speech user interface that efficiently converts spoken language into text. Utilizing its automated Network Speech Recognition platform, Promptu ensures privacy, security, scalability, and speed in its services. Its applications support over 40 languages and dialects, can be tailored to regional accents, and include features for real-time review and editing of transcribed text. The company primarily serves automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and smart television manufacturers. Promptu Systems was incorporated in 2000 and was previously known as AgileTV Corporation before renaming itself in August 2006.

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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