UK – The Ahimsa group of companies has successfully acquired Wicked Kitchen, a leading brand in the plant-based retail and foodservice sector in a deal where financial terms were not disclosed.
The acquiring entity, Ahimsa Companies, is confirmed to be a holding company managed by the Ahimsa Foundation and associated with Ahimsa VC.
According to a statement from the company, the Sarno brothers will continue to hold stakes in the newly formed brand business.
Included in this acquisition are the alternative seafood brands Good Catch and Current Foods, which Wicked Kitchen had previously acquired in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Wicked Kitchen, founded in 2016 by chefs and brothers Derek and Chad Sarno along with Chris Kerr, has established a significant presence in both the UK and US markets.
Established in 2020 in Bengaluru, India, Ahimsa VC focuses on start-ups in the plant-based, fermentation, and cell-cultured food industries.
In 2022, Ahimsa VC participated in a $20 million bridge financing round for Austin, Texas-based Wicked Kitchen, bringing the company’s total external funding to US$34M at the time.
Ahimsa Companies aims to drive consolidation in the plant-based sector, which has seen a slowdown in demand due to issues such as taste, price, and the perception of products being overly processed.
Despite these industry challenges, Wicked Kitchen has reported positive growth.
Late last year, the company expanded its frozen entrée line with two new offerings: Hearty Rigatoni Veg Bolognese, featuring lentils, beans, vegan cheese, and Beyond Meat; and Rockin’ Chili Mac, which includes black beans, vegan cheddar-style cheese.
These additions join Wicked Kitchen’s existing portfolio of frozen pizzas, macaroni and cheese, ice cream, and seafood alternatives.
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