US-based OWS Foods has acquired Lillie’s Q Sauces & Rubs, a peer in the barbecue category founded by chef Charlie McKenna.
The financial terms and details of the deal were not disclosed.
Founded in 2010, Lillie’s Q is known for its “authentic” southern flavours and “premium” quality sauces, rubs and seasonings.
Chef McKenna, who grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, named the company after his grandmother Lillie, from whom he learned traditional southern barbecue techniques.
McKenna developed regionally inspired recipes, which were commercialised in 2014 with co-founder Brian Golinvaux.
The company’s products are sold in retail grocery stores across the US.
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McKenna said: “When I launched Lillie’s over 14 years ago, the goal was to get the product into every household.
“We believe we have the best-tasting product in the market, and with the resources offered through a bigger platform, we are excited about the opportunities ahead.”
OWS Foods, founded in 1988, produces BBQ sauces and rubs, including the Head Country brand. It sells into retail and foodservice but also serves the private-label channel.
It operates a research lab in Overland Park, Kansas, and production facilities in Concordia, Missouri, and Ponca City, Oklahoma.
The acquisition is expected to support Lillie’s Q in expanding its presence across grocery, foodservice and the club channel.
OWS Foods’ research and development resources, combined with McKenna’s expertise in flavour development, would enable Lillie’s Q to enter new product categories, a statement read.
The transaction was facilitated by investment bank and financial advisory company Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL).
BGL has also acted as advisor on a pair of other deals in the condiments and sauces sector this year, including the sale of Zidian Group to Lassonde Industries and the acquisition of Crest Foods by Harwood Private Equity.
Golinvaux said: “The BGL team ran an excellent, efficient process which resulted in a fantastic partner for the company.”
