Wholesome Sweeteners, Inc.® Acquires Organic Candy Company, TruSweets

SUGAR LAND, Texas, Dec. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Wholesome Sweeteners, Inc.®, owner of Wholesome!™, the leading U.S. brand of organic, Fair Trade and Non-GMO sugars and sweeteners, has announced its purchase of the organic candy company, TruSweets. Finalized on November 23, TruSweets adds its two candy brands, Surf Sweets and TruJoy Sweets to the Wholesome Sweeteners portfolio.

Wholesome Sweeteners, Inc. has been a longstanding pioneer in the organic sugar and sweeteners category, currently offering more than 40 retail skus in the United States and Canada under the Wholesome! name brand. TruSweets is the leading innovator in organic candy with more than 25 retail skus. The acquisition is a natural fit for both companies that share a passion for organic, high quality ingredients and environmental responsibility.

"Better-for-you candy is a large and growing market. Consumers are actively seeking 'free-from' products to address their desire for cleaner food options. We're thrilled to welcome TruSweets to the Wholesome Sweeteners brand family! We're looking forward to building on the great path they have forged to give consumers organic candies that they enjoy eating and can trust buying," said Nigel Willerton, CEO, Wholesome Sweeteners, Inc. 

Since 2008, TruSweets has been making organic candy that kids enjoy without the artificial ingredients that concern parents. Its recipes are made up of Non-GMO, gluten-free candy that is also free of artificial colors, flavors and corn syrup. TruSweets' original brand, Surf Sweets, carries a broad variety of gummy candy (e.g. fruity, sour, rings and jelly beans, etc.) made without the 10 most common food allergens. Its additional brand TruJoy Sweets offers an organic twist on timeless candy favorites like candy canes, fruit chews, choco chews and lollipops that are also vegan and kosher. This acquisition positions TruSweets for prime growth as it will have access to Wholesome Sweeteners' broad customer base and marketing and sales resources.

"We're very excited to join the Wholesome Sweeteners team. Their passion for organics, environmental sustainability and Fair Trade are a perfect match for what we stand for here at TruSweets. This was the right growth opportunity for us and we are looking forward to utilizing the resources and ideas that have been so impactful to the Wholesome! brand," said Bert Cohen, president and founder of TruSweets.

TruSweets will retain its headquarters in Wheeling, Illinois and Wholesome Sweeteners, Inc. will remain in Sugar Land, Texas.  Financial details were not disclosed.

About Wholesome Sweeteners, Inc.®Wholesome Sweeteners, the owner of the Wholesome! brand is the nation's leader in organic, Fair Trade and Non-GMO sugars, molasses, syrups, stevia and honeys. Wholesome! has been committed to organics and staying on the cutting edge of eco-friendly agriculture since its founding in 2001. Wholesome! is dedicated to Fair Trade and partners with caring farming families across the globe ensuring them a fair price for their crops. Since 2005, Wholesome! has paid more than $10 million in Fair Trade premiums to farming co-operatives and partners worldwide helping bring clean water, electricity, schools and health care to villages in Malawi, Mexico, Brazil and Paraguay. Visit WholesomeSweet.Com or contact Customer Service: 1(800) 680-1896 or [email protected].

About TruSweetsTruSweets is a organic candy company that operates under two brands, Surf Sweets and TruJoy Sweets and also sells unbranded bulk candy. Surf Sweets markets chewy candy with organic ingredients that are free of the top 10 most common allergens. TruJoy markets organic variations of classic candy favorites (candy canes, fruit & choco chews, mints and lollipops). The Company's products have clean labels and attributes including: Non-GMO Project verified, gluten-free, corn syrup-free and no artificial colors or flavors. The company established distribution in the natural channel as well as the natural and organic section of select conventional grocery retailers. Both of the TruSweets brands are proud members of 1% for the Planet, donating a minimum of 1% of the sales from products to a number of environmental organizations. For more information about these brands, visit SurfSweets.com and TruJoySweets.com.

SOURCE: Wholesome!™  Holly Cassard (281) 275-3120  [email protected]                                            

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SOURCE Wholesome!