01.07.16
Jon Sebastiani, founder of Krave Pure Foods, Inc. and the creative force behind the acclaimed artisanal jerky brand KRAVE Jerky, has launched Sonoma Brands. Under his leadership, the new entity will foster the brand-building, innovation and growth of emerging products with existing positioning in health, wellness and food industries. This marks the next step for Mr. Sebastiani, following the acquisition of KRAVE Jerky by The Hershey Company in January 2015. Sonoma Brands is backed by a capital investment by VMG Partners, a partnership focused on working with creative and visionary entrepreneurs to support the growth and development of branded consumer product companies.
“The vision of Sonoma Brands stems from my passion for this region that yields extraordinary culinary expertise and an immense network of esteemed chefs and entrepreneurs,” said Mr. Sebastiani. “Our goal is to partner with strong, imaginative leaders to push boundaries, invigorate industry categories and differentiate ourselves through our agility in adapting to ever-changing consumer needs.”
“Jon is a thought leader who brings a wealth of experience as both an entrepreneur and as a seasoned business manager,” said Michael Mauzé, managing director of VMG Partners. “His unique skillset and expertise in innovative strategy will position Sonoma Brands as a leader in developing and growing emerging CPG brands that deeply resonate with consumers. Brands with a passionate, yet small customer base in the early stages of growth will benefit immensely from his mentorship and counsel.”
The new venture promises to lead the region into further prominence as a hub for food entrepreneurship. Sonoma Brands is well positioned to immediately begin supporting and developing promising small to mid-sized brands with a proven concept of success, an authentic story and a passion for originality. Mr. Sebastiani will build management teams in critical areas and work collaboratively to accelerate growth, drive brand awareness and create exceptional strategic value for all stakeholders. Concepts under the Sonoma Brands umbrella are currently in development for launches to begin in the second quarter of 2016.
“The vision of Sonoma Brands stems from my passion for this region that yields extraordinary culinary expertise and an immense network of esteemed chefs and entrepreneurs,” said Mr. Sebastiani. “Our goal is to partner with strong, imaginative leaders to push boundaries, invigorate industry categories and differentiate ourselves through our agility in adapting to ever-changing consumer needs.”
“Jon is a thought leader who brings a wealth of experience as both an entrepreneur and as a seasoned business manager,” said Michael Mauzé, managing director of VMG Partners. “His unique skillset and expertise in innovative strategy will position Sonoma Brands as a leader in developing and growing emerging CPG brands that deeply resonate with consumers. Brands with a passionate, yet small customer base in the early stages of growth will benefit immensely from his mentorship and counsel.”
The new venture promises to lead the region into further prominence as a hub for food entrepreneurship. Sonoma Brands is well positioned to immediately begin supporting and developing promising small to mid-sized brands with a proven concept of success, an authentic story and a passion for originality. Mr. Sebastiani will build management teams in critical areas and work collaboratively to accelerate growth, drive brand awareness and create exceptional strategic value for all stakeholders. Concepts under the Sonoma Brands umbrella are currently in development for launches to begin in the second quarter of 2016.