The Marzetti Company has made a significant move by acquiring the Japanese barbecue sauce brand Bachan’s for $400 million in cash. This acquisition will not only strengthen Marzetti’s presence in the sauce category but also open up new opportunities for growth.
The deal is set to be finalized by June 30, with Marzetti using a combination of cash reserves and additional financing to fund the purchase. Alongside its well-known dressings and dips, Marzetti also owns Sister Schubert’s rolls and New York Bakery frozen garlic bread, as well as holding sauce licensing agreements for popular restaurant brands like Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, and Subway.
Bachan’s acquisition aligns with Marzetti’s strategy to expand its sauce portfolio and capitalize on the increasing demand for branded products. The brand has shown impressive growth, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, thanks to its unique flavors and marketing approach.
With flavors ranging from original to miso, Bachan’s saw a compound annual growth rate of 48% between 2022 and 2025, reaching net sales of $87 million in 2025. Marzetti plans to leverage this momentum by expanding distribution, fostering innovation, and exploring new market opportunities for the brand.
Marzetti CEO David Ciesinski expressed excitement about the acquisition, emphasizing the potential for Bachan’s to complement and enhance the company’s existing product offerings. He highlighted the brand’s versatility in expanding into different product categories, such as marinades, glazes, and dips.
Overall, Marzetti’s latest move reflects its commitment to strategic growth and innovation in the competitive sauce market. With a solid financial performance and a clear vision for the future, Marzetti is poised to capitalize on the success of Bachan’s and continue its trajectory of expansion and success.