Marzetti To Acquire Bachan's Japanese Barbecue Sauce Brand For $400 Million

The transaction is intended to deepen Marzetti's position in the condiment and sauce category.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 10:55pm

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The Marzetti Company has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Bachan's, a fast-growing Japanese Barbecue Sauce brand, in a deal valued at $400 million. The acquisition is intended to strengthen Marzetti's portfolio in the condiment and sauce category by adding a premium, clean-label brand that aligns with consumer demand for global flavors and better-for-you products.

Why it matters

The deal represents a strategic move by Marzetti to expand its presence in the growing condiment and sauce market, particularly in the premium and health-conscious segments. Bachan's has seen rapid growth since its launch in 2019, tapping into consumer trends around global flavors and clean-label products, making it an attractive acquisition target.

The details

Under the terms of the agreement, Marzetti will acquire Bachan's, which had net sales of approximately $87 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2025. Marzetti plans to fund the acquisition with cash on hand and additional financing, and expects the transaction to close before its fiscal year-end on June 30, 2026, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. Marzetti intends to broaden Bachan's distribution, support product innovation, and extend the brand into new channels and adjacent categories.

  • The transaction is expected to close before Marzetti's fiscal year-end on June 30, 2026.
  • Bachan's had net sales of approximately $87 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2025.

The players

The Marzetti Company

A manufacturer and marketer of specialty food products for retail and foodservice, with retail brands including Marzetti dressings and dips, New York Bakery garlic breads, and Sister Schubert's dinner rolls, as well as a portfolio of exclusive license agreements that includes restaurant-branded sauces and dressings.

Bachan's

A fast-growing Japanese Barbecue Sauce brand, launched in 2019 and headquartered in Sebastopol, California. Bachan's product line is built on non-GMO ingredients and minimal processing.

David A. Ciesinski

Chief Executive Officer of The Marzetti Company.

Justin Gill

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bachan's.

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What they’re saying

“We are very excited to share our plans to acquire Bachan's as a strategic extension of our portfolio that will further strengthen our position in the dynamic condiment and sauce category. Bachan's created its original Japanese Barbecue Sauce from a multi-generational family recipe passed down to its founder, Justin Gill, who has done a tremendous job scaling the brand. Over time, we intend to further broaden distribution, support continued product innovation, and thoughtfully extend the brand into new channels and adjacent categories.”

— David A. Ciesinski, Chief Executive Officer, The Marzetti Company

“This transaction will reinforce Marzetti's position as a global leader in sauces by adding a premium brand that is exceptionally well aligned with evolving consumer preferences for global flavors and better-for-you products. We look forward to welcoming the Bachan's team to the Marzetti family!”

— David A. Ciesinski, Chief Executive Officer, The Marzetti Company

“Over the last several years, building Bachan's has allowed me to fulfill my childhood dream of bringing my family's sauce to market. My team and I have been working incredibly hard to deliver on this vision of building the first iconic Japanese-American flavor brand, and I am honored to partner with The Marzetti Company for the next stage of making my vision for Bachan's a reality.”

— Justin Gill, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Bachan's

“I am not only impressed by Marzetti's incredible history, portfolio of brands, capabilities and mission – but what has left the most meaningful impression on me is who they are as people. Bachan's is more than just a business or a brand to me – it is part of my family's legacy and our brand values are my own personal values, instilled in me by my family. Marzetti is an organization that deeply shares these values, and I am confident they will honor them in this next chapter for Bachan's. My team and I could not be more excited for our future with Marzetti as our strategic partner and as the new home for Bachan's.”

— Justin Gill, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Bachan's

What’s next

The transaction is expected to close before Marzetti's fiscal year-end on June 30, 2026, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

The takeaway

The acquisition of Bachan's by Marzetti represents a strategic move to strengthen the company's position in the growing condiment and sauce market, particularly in the premium and health-conscious segments. The deal aligns with evolving consumer preferences for global flavors and better-for-you products, and positions Bachan's for further growth and expansion under Marzetti's ownership.