Marzetti to Acquire Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce

The Marzetti Company has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Bachan’s, Inc., a rapidly growing brand recognized for its authentic, clean-label Japanese Barbecue Sauce. The transaction, valued at $400 million, is a strategic move to bolster Marzetti’s presence in the expanding condiment and sauce category.

The acquisition is expected to leverage Marzetti’s extensive retail and foodservice distribution networks, alongside its robust supply chain and culinary expertise, to provide new growth opportunities for the Bachan’s brand. For the twelve months ending December 31, 2025, Bachan’s reported net sales of approximately $87 million.

David A. Ciesinski, CEO of The Marzetti Company, noted that the acquisition serves as a strategic extension of their portfolio. “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,” Ciesinski stated. He added that Marzetti intends to broaden distribution and thoughtfully extend the brand into new channels and adjacent categories.

The move reinforces Marzetti’s position as a global leader in the sauce market by adding a premium brand that aligns with modern consumer preferences for global flavors and “better-for-you” products. “We look forward to welcoming the Bachan’s team to the Marzetti family,” Ciesinski added.

For Justin Gill, founder and CEO of Bachan’s, the partnership represents the next chapter in fulfilling his vision of building an iconic Japanese-American flavor brand. Gill expressed confidence in Marzetti’s ability to honor his family’s legacy. “Bachan’s is more than just a business or a brand to me—it is part of my family’s legacy,” Gill remarked. “Marzetti is an organization that deeply shares these values, and I am confident they will honor them in this next chapter.“

The transaction is expected to close prior to Marzetti’s fiscal year-end on June 30, 2026, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. The company intends to fund the purchase using cash on hand and additional financing.

Sources: Business Wire, Food Business News, Marzetti