Patriot Pickle Changes Hands from One Investment Firm to Another

Patriot Pickle, a manufacturer and distributor of fresh pickles and other fermented food products, has changed ownership hands from Swander Pace Capital to an affiliate of H.I.G. Capital, according to releases from both private-equity firms.

H.I.G. will partner with Patriot’s current management team to help accelerate its successful growth trajectory, the H.I.G. release noted. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Patriot had been acquired by Swander Pace in April 2021.

Patriot was founded in 2004, and the company is headquartered in Wayne, N.J. In May 2023, Patriot acquired Garland, Texas-based First Place Foods, another pickle processor — its second acquisition in 14 months. The company offers a wide variety of cuts, flavors and national brands, including Patriot Pickle, Crisp, Regal Crown, K&Z and First Place Foods. The company prides itself on delivering fresh, “farm to package” pickles in five days or less to its foodservice operator and retail customers, the announcement said.

H.I.G. is experienced in the food and beverage industry, having gained expertise through prior investments in Lipari Foods, Albertville Quality Foods, Tastes on the Fly, Ready Pac Foods, Quick Restaurants and Puerto de Indias, among others.