Sauer Brands Announces Sale of Spice and Seasonings Business, including Kernel Season’s and Spice Hunter, to Watkins, LLC

Transaction Sharpens Sauer Brands’ Focus on Flagship Condiments Portfolio While Expanding Watkins’ Spice and Seasoning Platform

RICHMOND, Va. & WINONA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sauer Brands, Inc. (“Sauer Brands”), a leading food company known for iconic brands including Duke’s Mayonnaise and Mateo’s Gourmet Salsa, and Watkins, LLC ("The Watkins Company"), a leading flavor company specializing in spices, seasonings, extracts and baking decorations, today announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement for Watkins to acquire Sauer Brands’ spice business, which includes Kernel Season’s, Spice Hunter and Sauer’s branded spices and seasonings, along with other spice-related private label and foodservice businesses. Sauer Brands’ mayonnaise and condiment products, including those sold under the Sauer’s name, are not part of the transaction and will remain with Sauer Brands. The companies expect the transaction to close by the end of the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“This transaction is an important step in our broader strategy to build a more focused condiments business, which includes our flagship brands Duke's Mayonnaise and Mateo's Gourmet Salsa, as well as a leading foodservice business. Duke’s Mayonnaise and Mateo’s Gourmet Salsa are growth leaders in their respective categories, beloved by a loyal and growing consumer base, and each has significant runway as they evolve from regional favorites into brands with national scale," said E. Yuri Hermida, CEO of Sauer Brands. “Our spice business represents an important part of the Sauer Brands heritage. Watkins recognizes the value these spice and seasoning brands have built over the years, and we are confident it will be the ideal home to support its continued growth."

“Kernel Season's, Spice Hunter and Sauer’s branded spices and seasonings are exactly the kind of high-quality brands that complement the heritage business Watkins has been growing for more than 150 years,” said J.R. Rigley, CEO of The Watkins Company. “As a trusted and dedicated flavor company, we are excited to introduce Sauer’s spices to generations of our loyal consumers. We see significant potential in using Watkins’ expertise and steadfast reputation to expand our reach in branded, foodservice and private label categories.”

As part of the transaction, Watkins will acquire all branding and distribution rights to Kernel Season's, Spice Hunter and Sauer’s branded spices and seasonings, and will take ownership of Sauer Brands’ manufacturing facilities located in Richmond, Virginia and San Luis Obispo, California.

Centerview Partners acted as financial advisor and Foley & Lardner LLP acted as legal counsel to Sauer Brands. Intrepid Investment Bankers acted as financial advisor and Faegre Drinker acted as legal counsel to Watkins.

About Sauer Brands
Sauer Brands, Inc. is a privately held, high-growth food company with a portfolio of beloved brands and a mission to bring flavor to people’s lives every day, in every home, and in every kitchen. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the company is known for its commitment to flavor, quality, and innovation across a wide range of condiments, spices, sauces, and more. Sauer Brands is backed by Advent International.

About The Watkins Company
The Watkins Company is a leading flavor company with more than 150 years of expertise in spices, seasonings, extracts and baking decorations. Headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, Watkins is known for bringing exceptional flavor to everyday moments through award-winning products, high-quality ingredients, and a time-honored commitment to quality, innovation and good taste.