A new ownership shift in the international confectionery sector. Private equity fund ACON Investments has announced the acquisition of a controlling stake in YumEarth, a U.S. brand specializing in organic and allergy-friendly candies. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 2007, YumEarth has carved out a growing niche in the confectionery market thanks to its offerings based on simple, organic, and non-GMO ingredients. Its products contain no artificial colors or high-fructose corn syrup, are gluten-free, and are free from the nine major food allergens, features that have helped it gain the trust of families who are concerned about the quality of their ingredients.
The assortment includes gummies, jellies, lollipops, fruit snacks and sour products, distributed both through e-commerce and in approximately 30.000 retail locations in the United States, including brands such as Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, Kroger and Sprouts.
The transaction represents the first investment by the ACON Evolution Fund, the new vehicle led by managing partners Anjali Jolly and Suma Kulkarni, dedicated to investment opportunities in the US middle market consumer and industrial sectors.
The Fini Company, a Spanish group founded in 1971 and present in over 100 countries, will also join ACON as a shareholder. The company will maintain a stake in YumEarth and will provide its international experience in the candy industry to support the American brand's growth.
According to the new partners' plan, the combination of ACON's financial expertise and Fini's industrial and commercial know-how will strengthen YumEarth's innovation capacity and expand the brand's market presence.
“The addition of ACON and Fini marks a new chapter for YumEarth,” said CEO Steve Van Tassel, emphasizing that the goal remains to offer treats that kids love but are made with ingredients parents can trust.
Anjali Jolly, managing partner of ACON, highlighted the brand's distinctive positioning, capable of capturing various consumer trends related to well-being, ingredient transparency, and more natural nutrition.
Manolo Sánchez, CEO of The Fini Company, also called YumEarth “a brand with strong growth potential,” emphasizing his willingness to collaborate with management to support the next phase of expansion.
For ACON, a Washington, D.C.-based private equity firm with over $7,3 billion in assets under management over thirty years, the transaction consolidates its presence in the consumer goods sector. For Fini, it represents a further opportunity to strengthen its international presence, leveraging the growing demand for organic, allergen-free, and consumer-focused confectionery products.
