Ahimsa Companies has acquired another US plant-based business, moving for pizza and wings firm Blackbird Foods.
New York-based Blackbird Foods markets “comfort foods” such as frozen pizza, seitan and wings. The company, set up in 2020, has listings at retailers including Target, Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Markets.
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“The acquisition reflects Ahimsa Companies’ broader mission to invest in and support businesses that are reshaping the food industry with sustainable, plant-forward solutions,” a statement announcing the deal read. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Ahimsa Companies was formed last year to back and grow plant-based food businesses operating in the US.
The company’s first acquisition was announced in June when it bought Wicked Kitchen, a brand of plant-based convenience foods and meals selling in the US and the UK.
In October, Ahimsa Companies snapped up Simulate, the US business behind the Nuggs faux-chicken nuggets brand.
Emanuel Storch, one of Blackbird Foods’ co-founders, described the sale of the business to Ahimsa Companies as “an exciting step”.
“Ahimsa Companies shares our passion for plant-based innovation and animal-free food production. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in plant-based cuisine while maintaining the quality and authenticity our customers love,” Storch said.
Last year, Blackbird Foods raised more than $125,000 on the StartEngine crowdfunding platform.
In information published on the StartEngine site, Blackbird Foods was said to have generated “lifetime sales of over $11m”.
“From 2022 to 2023, we saw 60% sales growth, while our gross profit rose 124%, and our COGS and expenses increased only 31% and 21%, respectively,” the information reads. “We self-manufacture at our own facility in NYC and control all aspects of our manufacturing. We feel this allows us to maintain high quality and achieve strong gross margins.” More specific details were not disclosed.
