Vending

Second Nature Brands now home for Kar’s Nuts, Second Nature Snacks, Sanders Chocolates

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February 24, 2021

A new snack company, Second Nature Brands, now houses the established Kar's Nuts, Second Nature Snacks and Sanders Chocolates brands, according to a press release. The company is based in Madison Heights, Michigan, near Detroit.

"Over more than 140 years, our heritage brands — Kar's Nuts, Second Nature Snacks and Sanders Chocolates — have built a strong reputation for making snacks and treats that people love," Victor Mehren, CEO, said in the release. "These businesses have grown significantly over the last several years, and we see many opportunities for expanding our new platform both through brand innovation, strategic investments and acquisitions. Under the Second Nature Brands umbrella, our market-leading brands are positioned for accelerated growth."

In 2021, the company will bring to market more than 25 better-for-you products from its Kar's Nuts, Second Nature Snacks and Sanders Chocolates brands in partnership with retailers and through the brands' direct-to-consumer e-commerce channels. The snacks and treats will include Second Nature Smart Mixes, Sanders Organic Dairy-free Sea Salt Caramels and Sanders Sea Salt Caramel Thins. Kar's Nuts will also introduce its Kar's Snack Max line.

In addition, Second Nature Brands has begun construction of a innovation center that will feature a recipe development lab and consumer testing facility. The center, located in Sanders Chocolates' Clinton Township, Michigan facility, will allow Second Nature Brands to engage consumers and collaborate with customer partners to develop new products.

Second Nature Brands has also appointed Edmond Sanctis as its chairman of the board of directors. He brings more than 20 years of experience in businesses and culinary innovations. He was the co-founder, CEO and chairman of Sahale Snacks, Inc., a company that was acquired by The J.M. Smucker Co. in August 2014. He is a partner at Reason Venture Partners.