US food group Panos Brands has struck a deal to acquire smoked salmon producer The Santa Barbara Smokehouse for an undisclosed fee.

Established in 2005, The Santa Barbara Smokehouse’s salmon is smoked in a smokehouse in its namesake county, by burning “full logs in an open fire kiln”, according to a statement.

New Jersey-based Panos, which manufactures grocery products under brands including Ka-Me, Sesmark and Mi-del, said the acquisition marks its second of 2024 after snapping up Tessemae’s Salad Dressings and Condiments in January.

“Having built The Santa Barbara Smokehouse with a singular focus on producing the highest quality smoked salmon, I’m excited for Panos to expand the reach of these products to fuel consumer interest in high-quality smoked salmon,” said Tim Brown, founder and managing director of The Santa Barbara Smokehouse.

The company's products are available in “traditional retail outlets” as well as foodservice channels.

Darcy Zbinovec, CEO of Panos Brands, said: “SBS products are differentiated in the marketplace. The portfolio is aligned with consumer trends, including the demand for super-premium quality, and the continued interest in better-for-you foods like smoked salmon that are rich in protein and omega-3.

“We are excited to partner with customers to expand availability of this distinctive smoked salmon across foodservice and retail channels.”

Just Food has asked Panos for further details on the deal.  

Panos was acquired by US private-equity firm HKW in 2016. It was owned by Dutch healthy food business Wessanen until 2010.

Panos is an acronym that is said to reflect the company’s “mission to offer premium, authentic, natural, organic, and speciality foods”.

The company operates across multiple consumer food categories, including dairy and snacks, and in a number of channels.