Smuckers Acquires Organic, Gluten-Free Ancient Grain Company

ORRVILLE, OhioThe J.M. Smucker Company has completed its acquisition of Livermore, Calif.-based Enray, Inc., a privately-held manufacturer and marketer of premium organic, gluten-free ancient grain products, including sprouted and non-sprouted grains, pasta, and cookies primarily sold under the truRoots® brand. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.

"This acquisition strengthens and adds to the breadth of our natural foods business, extending it beyond the leadership position we currently hold in the natural and organic beverages category," said Richard Smucker, CEO. "The addition of the truRoots® brand and its organic quinoa and other ancient grain products provides an on-trend, compelling product platform across the rapidly growing gluten-free market."

Enray generated net sales of more than $45 million over its latest 12-month period. The transaction includes a leased manufacturing facility in Livermore. 

The global gluten-free product market is projected to reach $6.2 billion by 2018, representing a CAGR of 10.2%, according to a 2013 report from MarketsandMarkets. North America is the largest market for gluten-free products, and Europe is expected to show significant growth in the market in the near future. According to the report, gluten-free bakery and confectionery products account for 46% of total gluten-free products volume share, followed by gluten-free snacks at 20%.