Kameda USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Japan-based Kameda Seika Co. Ltd., has acquired a 77.8% stake in Gridley, Calif.-based Mary’s Gone Crackers. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 2004 by Mary Waldner and Dale Rodrigues, Mary’s Gone Crackers makes gourmet, organic, gluten-free, vegan food, including crackers, pretzels and cookies.
Kameda USA specializes in the sale and marketing of Kameda Crisps and frosted rice crackers to the U.S. market.
As part of the agreement, Ms. Waldner, co-founder and chairman, and Mr. Rodrigues, co-founder and chief executive officer, will remain with the company to lead day-to-day operations, strategy and product innovation.
“We’re thrilled to join forces with the Kameda Seika family, and feel privileged that the team recognizes Mary’s Gone Crackers as a brand it believes has significant potential for continued expansion in the U.S. and abroad,” Ms. Waldner said.
Mr. Rodrigues added, “Kameda brings a wealth of operational expertise to this partnership, and there are many synergies we’re excited to explore. For the first time in the history of Mary’s Gone Crackers, we have a partner who supports our vision and core values. We feel confident this new path will allow us to bring new products and innovations to the market with greater speed and agility, and are eager to expand our business with our original vision intact.”
