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Sauz, a rapidly growing brand known for its innovative approach to tomato sauce, has announced the successful closure of a $12 million funding round led by Cavu Consumer Partners. This investment is poised to accelerate Sauz's expansion in the retail sector and enhance its product offerings, catering to a generation increasingly demanding unique culinary experiences.
The funding round also included participation from established investors such as Coefficient Capital, Palm Tree Crew and Strand Equity. The capital will be used to bolster marketing efforts, increase brand awareness and expand distribution channels. By the end of 2025, Sauz aims to introduce additional flavour SKUs and enhance its online presence, tapping into the evolving preferences of consumers, particularly within the Gen-Z demographic.
Troy Bonde, co-founder and CEO of Sauz, expressed optimism about the partnership with Cavu, stating, “We have many exciting things planned for the future, and with Cavu's support, we're ready to scale this vision with even greater velocity". This sentiment reflects a broader trend in the food industry where consumer brands are increasingly focusing on innovative flavours and packaging to differentiate themselves in a crowded market.
Sauz has experienced significant growth since its inception, reporting a remarkable 148% increase in overall revenue and a 250% surge in online sales. The brand has successfully positioned itself in nearly 7,000 retail locations across the US, including major retailers such as Target, Whole Foods and Kroger. With seven distinct sauce varieties, Sauz is not only gaining shelf space but also achieving best-in-class velocities in retail sales.
Jared Jacobs, partner at CAVU Consumer Partners, noted the potential for disruption within the pasta sauce category, stating, “Today's pasta sauce aisle is a sea of sameness... Sauz is bringing modern flavours and bold branding to a pantry staple that's ripe for disruption.” This perspective aligns with a growing consumer trend towards seeking out products that offer unique and adventurous flavour profiles.
Founded by childhood friends Troy Bonde and Winston Alfieri, Sauz emerged from a desire to reinvent the traditional tomato sauce experience. The brand offers a range of innovative flavours, including Hot Honey Marinara, Summer Lemon Marinara and Miso Garlic Marinara, each designed to inspire creativity in the kitchen. This approach not only revitalises a staple product but also aligns with the increasing demand for high-quality, flavourful ingredients in everyday cooking.
Alfieri, co-founder and CMO, noted the brand's mission to elevate cooking experiences: “Cooking is an opportunity to discover new foods and new flavours, and that's why we're on a mission to bring unexpected ingredients to a product that's as convenient and widely available as tomato sauce”.
As Sauz continues to expand its footprint in the competitive food landscape, the backing from Cavu Consumer Partners is expected to facilitate further innovation and market penetration. The brand's focus on high-quality ingredients and unique flavour combinations positions it well to capture the interest of a diverse consumer base seeking more from their culinary experiences.
With plans for additional product launches and retail partnerships on the horizon, Sauz is set to redefine consumer expectations in the pasta sauce category, paving the way for a new generation of food products that prioritise taste, quality and creativity.