Sparrow Advisory’s Post

I am so excited to share our BIG news! Pepper has secured series B funding with a $30 million dollar investment from ICONIQ Capital. Thank you to our co-founders, Bowie Cheung, Chetan Narain & Ivana Tesanovic, as well as Andrew van Bark, for their vision & the organic approach they have to enable and future proof the independent distributor. The team that has been cultivated here at Pepper is nothing short of amazing & I am thankful every day for the opportunity to align myself with a company that cares about our industry and is invested in moving it forward. If I would have told you 3 years ago that I would be working for a startup technology company, I would’ve told you that you were crazy. But 2.5 years ago I left a 10 year successful career at Sysco foods, where I had incredible mentors like Scott Simcox, Craig L. Parker, Trey Kidd & Kristin Holt, who helped build upon my lifelong career in hospitality. They took me from knowing how to run a restaurant, to understanding how I could partner as a consultant to other restaurants & corporate businesses through distribution. My entire career has been ingrained in enabling my company, my customers & my clients with the tools they need to be successful, and here at Pepper, I get to do that on the largest scale, with the best technology. Our technology is being developed every day in partnership with our clients, and is next level, game changing & industry proofing our incredible partners in independent distribution. At Pepper, I have the opportunity to work with some industry leading partners at Palmer Food Services, Schiff's Food Service, Inc., Ginsberg's Foods, Quirch Foods, JFS/Curtze, Ferraro Foods, GS Foods Group, A.F. WENDLING, INC., A&G Meats, Bermuda General Agency and Pitt & Company, Food Supply, Inc., GLACIER WHOLESALERS INC, Halsey Foodservice, Inc., Jacmar Foodservice Distribution, J E Hicks Distributing Co, Legacy Food Group, Regional Distributors, Inc., Sanwa Growers, Inc, Siegel Egg Co., LLC and so many others. I am proud of what has been built here in 4.5 years with 200+ clients, and even more excited about what we can do with $30 million dollars from an incredible partner in ICONIQ Capital, as well as current clients of Pepper who whole-heartedly believe in our vision and what we are building to enable their success.  Keep your eye on Pepper, because we have only just begun, and the future is so incredibly bright.

As we close out 2023, I've taken some time to reflect on Interpath's efforts within the food and drink sector in the year.   Over 40 engagements delivered, hundreds of hours working with a diverse range of F&D clients across the country (from health and wellness to farming, meat production, bakery, seafood, brewing and distilling, sauces, dips and spices, and many many more). Our services have covered valuations, tax, forensics, pensions, debt advisory, value creation and formal restructuring engagements.   Given challenges in the sector, insolvencies have been inevitable, with 14 insolvency appointments in the year. However, what this shows is many of our success stories do not hit the press, with consensual restructuring solutions agreed and turnarounds delivered without the need for a formal process.   That said, for those businesses that did need a formal solution, this often leads to new opportunities following rescue led transactions. To name a few in the year, British Bakels has acquired the business and assets of JF Renshaw Ltd, securing the brand’s future and saving the jobs of its 200 employees. The business and assets sale of True North Brew Co secured over 300 jobs and continued the operation of the company's venues, brewery and distillery.   It’s great to have such a vast experience base to draw from as we look to support clients with both opportunities and challenges in 2024. Have a great Christmas break from the F&D team at Interpath Advisory! #foodanddrink #foodanddrinkindustry

𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 $𝟓𝟔𝟎 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 This strategic move is expected to position Metcash for growth and increased competitiveness in the dynamic landscape of food services and hardware industries. Read More: https://cutt.ly/8wXDeiCu #metcash #investement #bolster #foodserviceindustry #hardwareindustry #foodservice #news #newsupdate #businessnews #newsdaily #ciolook

Many people will remember #oxfam's #BehindtheBarcodes campaign calling on supermarkets to find and root out #humanrights abuses in their #foodsupplychains. Today we publish a report reviewing companies' progress. In scope are #tesco, #sainsburys #asda #morrisons #aldi and #lidl. Eline Achterberg@radhikasarin, Anouk Franck @RuthMhlanga

Irn Bru-owner AG Barr PLC (LSE:BAG) lifted its full-year profit guidance on Thursday after beginning to feel the benefit of a series of acquisitions made over the last few years. Pre-tax profits are expected to reach £49.5 million for the 12 months to 28 January 2024, representing a 13.8% year-on-year jump and a slight rise on market consensus. Revenues rose around 26% to reach £400 million after both its Funkin Cocktail and MOMA Foods brands performed positively. Funkin Cocktail was acquired by the Scottish manufacturer back in 2015, while a 100% purchase of MOMA Foods was completed at the end of 2022. Funkin Cocktail experienced “excellent” momentum in the off-trade sector during the fourth quarter, offsetting weaker on-trade trends, as bars and clubs continue to suffer from reduced footfall. More at #Proactive #ProactiveInvestors http://ow.ly/ArOO105eTCb

Get ready to witness the game-changing partnership between Globe Expertise and Giuseppe Molaro This dynamic collaboration is set to revolutionize the F&B industry, offering customized support and cutting-edge insights. Stay locked in for the latest updates as we join forces to redefine the future of the F&B Industry! #FoodBusiness #Newcairo #businesssuccess #businessowner #businesstips #foodbusinessstartups #FoodBusiness #businessconsultant #investingtips #realestateinvestor

Sunshine Beverages from Winston-Salem, NC, showcases how private equity boosts growth. Thanks to strategic investments, they expanded distribution and formed essential grocery partnerships. No artificial flavors, just real business success! Watch the Sunshine Story: https://t.co/6Xt8x6t8VM #PrivateEquity #SmallBusiness

Have you heard of Xook, #AVtweeps? In this case study by Xyte, discover how Xook enables food service providers to capture additional revenue with kiosks that operate around the clock at different locations. Check it out ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dbZwn9dq #Sponsored Rajagopal Natarajan

Concerns are mounting for 152-year-old British brewing stalwart Adnams plc (AQSE:ADB). The Aquis-listed, Suffolk-based brewer of popular scoops Ghost Ship and Broadside has confirmed a report from Sky News that it is scrambling to secure fresh private funding for the business. “Following media speculation, the board of directors of Adnams plc wishes to clarify that the company has instructed advisors to explore a range of options to fund the company's future growth plans,” the group announced. “As a business of more than 150 years, and ever mindful of the challenges faced by the hospitality and brewing industries in recent times, the company is continually proactive in seeking ways to ensure that the business is even more resilient for the years to come.” Adnams’ latest results underscored the challenges faced by the booze industry as a whole. More at #Proactive #ProactiveInvestors http://ow.ly/epii105hfni