The WhiteWave Foods Company, maker of Silk brand plant-based foods and beverages, has agreed to acquire So Delicious Dairy Free from its existing shareholders for $195 million.
Best known for its plant-based beverages, creamers, cultured products and frozen desserts, So Delicious was founded in 1987 by Mark Brawerman, who was CEO until 2013. Based in Eugene, Oregon, So Delicious’ products are 100 percent plant-based and its entire product offering is non-GMO verified.
So Delicious had net sales of $115 million for the 12 months ended June 30, 2014 and is expected to experience continued strong growth in the second half of 2014, according to a press release.
“The acquisition of So Delicious represents a great addition to the WhiteWave portfolio and fits squarely within our strategy of driving growth in our core businesses,” said Gregg Engles, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WhiteWave. “So Delicious is an outstanding company and a unique player in the plant-based food and beverage arena, with consumers seeking out the brand for a broad range of great-tasting, dairy-free beverages, creamers and cultured products. So Delicious is also recognized as the #1 plant-based frozen dessert brand in the United States, and it will provide WhiteWave entry into the growing, plant-based frozen dessert category.”
