Chicago Custom Foods: Chicago-based CCF is a leader in branded popcorn seasonings, a category it created in 2000 with the introduction of Kernel Season’s, now America’s No. 1 selling brand with more than 20 flavors. CCF has expanded into new food categories recently with brands that include Tasty Shakes oatmeal mix-ins, Veggie Season’s vegetable seasonings, and Truffle Season’s premium popcorn seasonings.
Sauer Brands, Inc.
active Investment //
Celebrating 130 years of producing fine spices, extracts, and flavorings
Sauer Brands, Inc. is a 130+ year-old manufacturer of branded and private label condiments, spices, seasonings, and extracts. The Company’s most well-known domestic brands include Duke’s mayonnaise, The Spice Hunter spices and seasonings, and Kernel Seasons’ popcorn seasonings. The Company is headquartered in Richmond, VA with additional manufacturing facilities in Greenville, SC, San Luis Obispo, CA, Elk Grove Village, IL, and New Century, KS. Falfurrias Capital acquired Sauer Brands, Inc. in August 2019.
Add-on Acquisitions
Milestones
August 2019
Sauer Brands, Inc. strategic investment
November 2019
Appointed Martin Kelly as President & CEO of Sauer Brands
April 2020
Acquired Chicago Custom Foods (CCF), maker of Kernel Season's popcorn seasoning, as well as oatmeal mix-ins and vegetable seasonings
Operational Value add
- Built highly experienced management team with the appointment of a new Executive Chairman, CEO, CFO, and key operational roles
- Managed a procurement review to help Sauer establish a world class supply chain and procurement organization


CEO/CFO
Martin Kelly, David Starr
Falfurrias Partners
Marc Oken, Ken Walker, Chip Johnson
Board of Directors
Ken Walker (Executive Chairman), Marc Oken, Ed McMahan, Chip Johnson, Conrad Sauer IV, Hugh McColl III, Tad Dickson, Martin Kelly