SFEP acquires significant stake in Brazi Bites

San Francisco Equity Partners (SFEP) has acquired a majority stake in Portland-based Brazilian-style cheese bread producer Brazi Bites for an undisclosed price.

US-based SFEP is a private equity firm that primarily focuses on consumer growth companies.

Brazi Bites co-founder and CEO Junea Rocha said: “San Francisco Equity Partners is the ideal partner for Brazi Bites based on their experience guiding authentic consumer brands to a broader audience.

“The popularity of our Brazilian Cheese Bread line has positioned the company well to expand into adjacent categories.

“Over the next few years, Brazi Bites will become a platform for delicious, better-for-you Latin American foods.

“We are excited for this new partnership to accelerate the distribution growth for our current product offering and pursue the numerous growth opportunities for our brand.”

The new partnership with SFEP is intended to accelerate Brazi Bites’ growth in the frozen and ethnic food categories.

SFEP managing partner Scott Potter said: “Brazi Bites is a trendsetting brand at the forefront of the ‘freezer revolution’, and their growth within the industry reflects that.

“Junea and Cameron have done an impressive job in building an authentic brand with deep consumer connection.

“We look forward to leveraging our resources and network in partnering with them for their next stage of growth.”

Brazi Bites claims that all its products are naturally gluten-free and produced using simple ingredients and authentic tapioca flour from Brazil.

The company’s products are currently available at more than 6,000 stores across the US, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Kroger, Costco, Wegmans, Publix and Target.

They are also planned to be launched at Loblaws in Canada later this month.