The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

The Marzetti Company has agreed to acquire Japanese barbecue sauce brand Bachan’s in a deal valued at $400 million, as it looks to strengthen its position in the global sauces and condiments market.

The agreement covers the purchase of the Bachan's, which generated approximately $87 million in net sales in the 12 months to 31 December 2025.

Marzetti said the deal will expand its sauces portfolio and create additional growth opportunities through its existing retail and foodservice distribution network, supply chain capabilities, and marketing and culinary expertise.

Founded on a multi-generational family recipe, Bachan’s is known for its clean-label Japanese barbecue sauces.

Marzetti's CEO, David A Ciesinski, said the acquisition would strengthen Marzetti’s presence in the “dynamic condiment and sauce category,” highlighting Bachan’s origins as a family recipe developed by founder Justin Gill.

He added that Marzetti plans to broaden distribution, support continued product innovation and explore extensions into new channels and adjacent categories.

Gill added: “Over the last several years, building Bachan’s has allowed me to fulfill my childhood dream of bringing my family’s sauce to market. My team and I have been working incredibly hard to deliver on this vision of building the first iconic Japanese-American flavor brand, and I am honoured to partner with The Marzetti Company for the next stage of making my vision for Bachan’s a reality.”

The transaction will be funded through a combination of cash on hand and additional financing and is subject to customary closing adjustments and regulatory approvals.

The acquisition is expected to close before Marzetti’s fiscal year end on 30 June 2026.