Business

Ocean Brands broadens portfolio with strategic acquisitions

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 11:34 PST, Mon January 25, 2021

Last Updated: 2:43 PST, Fri February 12, 2021

Richmond’s Ocean Brands announced today it has completed two recent acquisitions, including its first of a U.S.-based company.

Culinary Collective is a leading importer and distributor of premium quality cultural food operating out of Lynnwood, Washington, while Nonna Pia’s is a Whistler-based producer and distributor of gourmet balsamic glazes and specialty vinegars.

Nonna Pia’s artisan reductions are made from quality aged balsamic vinegar imported from Modena, Italy. From humble beginnings at a local farmers market in 2010, its products can now be found in grocery stores across North America. Ocean Brands, will continue to run this business independently, maintaining Nonna Pia’s values, culture and employees, while providing support to realize the growth potential that this business has.

“We are thrilled to be embarking on this new chapter together with Ocean Brands,” said Natasha Strim, co-founder and former owner of Nonna Pia’s. “I admire the way that they operate as an organization and we have certainly learned a lot from their generosity in the years leading up to this sale. Ocean Brands continues to show us unwavering support and encouragement and I know that our company is now in the hands of a great successor.”

Culinary Collective sources, markets and distributes an assortment of premium flavourful, wholesome, traditional foods from Spain and Peru under the brands Matiz, Aneto, Castillo de Canena, Zocalo and others. Their products can be found at both upscale and conventional food retailers and chef-driven restaurants throughout the United States and Western Canada. Similar to Nonna Pia’s, Culinary Collective will continue to operate independently, with the same commitment to its employees, culture and values that have been established over the past 22 years.

“We are thrilled to have found in Ocean Brands a company with both strong values and a family-based culture to match our own,” says Betsy Power, co-founder of Culinary Collective. “After so many years of dedication to our mission, it gives us great comfort knowing that our brands, our producers and our employees will continue to be cared for with integrity.”

The purchase of Culinary Collective reflects Ocean Brands’ vision to not only expand its footprint further into the United States, but also to broaden its overall portfolio of products.

“We are eager to introduce our customers to the incredible lineup of products these two businesses bring to the Ocean Brand’s house of brands as we work hand in hand to help both organizations realize their full growth potential,” said Ocean Brands president Ian Ricketts. “Nonna Pia’s and Culinary Collective complement our existing brand portfolio with the addition of exciting international flavours and quality products that truly speak for themselves.”

The purchases underscore Ocean Brands’ desire to support budding businesses, typically run by local entrepreneurs or families, that have both unique value propositions and exceptional growth potential. As a B Corp certified organization, Ocean Brands is dedicated to seeking partners that align well with its corporate values, including the prioritization of  sustainability, product and service quality, and excellent personnel. With these and future acquisitions, Ocean Brands intends to continue leveraging its experience and resources to help propel growing businesses towards long-term success.

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