The Marzetti Company has completed its acquisition of Bachan’s, Inc., the fast-growing Japanese Barbecue Sauce brand known for its clean-label, family-recipe-inspired products, in a transaction valued at $400 million. The deal reinforces Marzetti’s expanding position in the condiment and sauce category and is expected to create new opportunities through the company’s retail and foodservice distribution network, supply chain capabilities, and culinary expertise.
Bachan’s was founded in 2019 by Justin Gill in Sebastopol, California, built around a multi-generational barbecue sauce recipe passed down from his grandmother. From those family roots, Gill built a brand anchored in high-quality, non-GMO ingredients and minimal processing, with net sales reaching approximately $87 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025. The $400 million purchase price was financed with cash on hand and a $200 million term loan.
For Marzetti, the acquisition represents a strategic extension of a portfolio that already includes Marzetti dressings and dips, New York Bakery garlic breads, Sister Schubert’s dinner rolls, and exclusive licensed products from brands including Olive Garden, Chick-fil-A and Buffalo Wild Wings. The addition of Bachan’s broadens the company’s reach into premium sauces and opens new avenues for distribution expansion, product innovation and category adjacency in both retail and foodservice channels.
Support: Goldman Sachs served as exclusive financial advisor to Marzetti, with King & Spalding acting as legal counsel. Centerview Partners advised Bachan’s, with Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz serving as legal counsel. Both leadership teams emphasized alignment in values and shared commitment to food quality as central to the partnership.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are thrilled to welcome the Bachan’s team to the Marzetti family. This acquisition is a strategic extension of our portfolio that will further strengthen Marzetti’s position in the condiment and sauce category. Bachan’s is a premium brand that celebrates food and family and is a natural complement to Marzetti’s portfolio of flavorful products made from family recipes.”
Dave Ciesinski, Chief Executive Officer, The Marzetti Company
“Bringing Bachan’s to this point has been an incredibly meaningful journey — one rooted in my family’s legacy and a dream that started in childhood. As we officially join The Marzetti Company, I am proud of what our team has built and excited for what lies ahead.”
“What makes this partnership so compelling is our alignment in values. Bachan’s has always been deeply personal to me, and it was essential to find a home that respects both our heritage and our vision. Marzetti has proven to be that partner.”
Justin Gill, Founder, Bachan’s
