Arlon Food and Agriculture Partners, an affiliate of investment firm Arlon Group, along with management and Edward Billington & Son, has completed the acquisition of Wholesome Sweeteners, for an undisclosed amount.
On the completion of the transaction, Wholesome Sweeteners CEO Nigel Willerton will continue to head the management team of the company.
Wholesome Sweeteners is a 50/50 joint venture between Imperial Sugar Company of the US and Edward Billington and Son of the UK.
Arlon acquired part of Billington’s ownership interest and complete shares owned by Imperial Sugar, and believes that the new transaction will provide it with various opportunities for continued growth.
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas, Wholesome Sweeteners is a major supplier of organic and Fair Trade certified sweeteners in North America.
The company’s product portfolio includes Organic Stevia, Organic Coconut Palm Sugar, the first Fair Trade Certified Organic Agave Nectars, Organic Cinnamon Flavored Raw Blue Agave Syrup, Organic Blue Agave Maple Syrup, Organic Maple Flavored Raw Blue Agave Syrup, Organic Strawberry Flavored Raw Blue Agave Syrup and Organic Blue Agave Vanilla Syrup and Organic Vanilla Flavored Blue Agave Syrup
Wholesome Sweeteners CEO Nigel Willerton said Arlon’s focus on innovative food businesses makes them good partners for the next stage of the company’s growth and development.
Wholesome Sweeteners is the fourth investment for Arlon Food and Agriculture Partners, which provides long-term growth capital to middle-market companies throughout the food and agriculture value chain.
Based in New York, Arlon Group invests in middle market companies at all stages of the food and agriculture supply chain, including production, processing, distribution, food service and retail.