SAN FRANCISCO – Encore Consumer Capital (“Encore”), a private equity firm that invests exclusively in leading consumer products companies, is pleased to announce its portfolio company Murry’s Inc. (“Murry’s”) has completed the acquisition of Bake Crafters Food Company (“Bake Crafters”). Murry’s has also hired a new CEO, Jeff Ahlers, who joined the Company in June.
Murry’s, based in Greenbelt, MD, is a manufacturer of frozen French Toast sticks and bites that are sold into the private label retail and foodservice channels. Encore acquired Murry’s in 2019, partnering with owner Ira Mendelson. Based in McDonald, TN, Bake Crafters is a manufacturer and distributor of breakfast and other baked goods products, selling primarily into the K-12 foodservice channel.
Jeff Ahlers was most recently CEO of La Tortilla Factory in Santa Rosa, CA. Encore has had a relationship with Jeff for over a decade and was excited to find an opportunity at Murry’s to leverage his impressive experience in food manufacturing.
“I am pleased to bring Jeff on board to support the integration of Bake Crafters and the continued growth of Murry’s,” said Chairman, Ira Mendelson. “Bake Crafters has been an important partner of Murry’s for over 15 years and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish working together.”
Kate Wallman, Managing Director of Encore Consumer Capital, said, “Bake Crafters represents a highly strategic acquisition for Murry’s. We’re excited to have completed this transaction and look forward to the next chapter of growth at Murry’s under Jeff’s leadership.”
About Encore Consumer Capital
Encore Consumer Capital is a San Francisco-based private equity investment firm focused on the consumer products industry. The firm has raised over $600 million in equity capital and invested in over 35 companies in the sector. Encore’s current and prior investments include food and beverage manufacturers and marketers (4505 Meats, Aidells Sausage Company, Ancient Harvest, Brownie Brittle, Full Sail Brewing, Lion Beverages, Mesa Foods, Murry’s, Navitas Organics, Tender Belly, Thanasi Foods, Van Law Foods) pet products companies (Open Farm Pet, ThunderWorks, Zuke’s) and personal care/beauty companies (Love Wellness, MyChelle Dermaceuticals, Supergoop!, tarte), and food distribution companies (Freshko Produce Services, Pint Size Hawaii, Tourtellot), among others. The firm targets companies with between $10 million and $100 million in annual revenues where Encore’s strong expertise in strategy development, brand marketing, manufacturing and supply chain optimization, and distribution expansion can help drive performance. To learn more, visit www.encoreconsumer.com