FlavorSum, a Kalamazoo-based company that creates and supplies flavorings for food and beverage products, today announced its acquisition by Warburg Pincus in New York, a global private equity firm, from its prior owner, The Riverside Co. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
FlavorSum will continue to operate independently, with the existing leadership team shaping strategy and day-to-day operations.
According to FlavorSum, the acquisition marks a “significant milestone” and signals a new chapter in the company’s growth and development.
Under Riverside’s ownership, FlavorSum expanded its market reach, deepened its flavor portfolio, and assembled the technical talent to accelerate innovation for high-growth, mid-sized, and emerging food and beverage brands.
“We recognize the solid foundation and success we have built with the support of The Riverside Co.,” says Brian Briggs, CEO of FlavorSum. “During the past five years, the FlavorSum team fully integrated four complementary acquisitions and added 35,000 square feet to our Michigan manufacturing facility.
“Our team is driving industry-leading growth with a solutions model that delivers operational excellence and an outstanding customer experience. We look forward to partnering with Warburg Pincus and expanding our pure-play flavor platform — both organically and as the ‘Acquirer of Choice’ for flavor companies committed to serving fast-growing, disruptive brands.”
The transaction is expected to close later in the third quarter, pending customary regulatory approvals.
“FlavorSum’s integrated business model strategically positions the company to meet the expanding interest in natural solutions across food and beverage categories,” says Zach Lazar, managing director at Warburg Pincus. “The company’s customer-driven approach unites responsive service with unparalleled flavor and application expertise. Through this partnership, we aim to advance FlavorSum’s standout growth and acquisition strategy.”
