Audax acquires stake in food products provider Stonewall Kitchen

Audax Private Equity has acquired a controlling stake in speciality food products provider Stonewall Kitchen from Centre Partners.

Founded in 1991, Stonewall Kitchen comprises the flagship Stonewall Kitchen brand, as well as the Tillen Farms brand of pickled vegetables and the Napa Valley Naturals brand of olive oils, culinary oils, balsamic vinegar and wine vinegar.

Additionally, it consists of the Montebello brand of artisan organic pasta and the Legal Sea Foods brand of seafood sauces and condiments.

Stonewall Kitchen CEO John Stiker said: “We’ve experienced a significant amount of growth over the last five years, and by partnering with Audax, we’ll look to provide even more innovative, high-quality and delicious products for our customers and guests as we continue to grow going forward.

“Our focus will be on identifying products and companies that match our high-quality standard for delicious food, and which preserve and enhance our core values and company culture.”

Stonewall Kitchen entered a five-year partnership with Centre Partners, a private investment firm, in 2014.

Audax Private Equity managing director Jay Mitchell said: “The culture and business practices at Stonewall Kitchen are a great match with Audax’s own philosophy and values, and we believe that our ‘Buy & Build’ investment strategy, combined with their expertise in the speciality food industry, can transform the company into a more substantial enterprise.”