Beef companies merge to create large grass-fed supplier

LOVELAND — Two grass-fed beef companies are merging into what will be the largest such platform in the country.

Teton Waters Ranch LLC, based on Precision Drive in Loveland, and SunFed Ranch of Woodland, California, are combining to form Grass Fed Foods LLC, which will be based in Loveland.

Grass Fed Foods LLC “becomes the foremost outlet for grass-fed beef products …,” the companies said in a press statement. “The combined businesses will have more than $150 million in sales.”

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“For Grass Fed Foods, having SunFed Ranch and Teton Waters Ranch joined under one comprehensive grass fed beef platform is the first step in providing grocers and foodservice customers with access to a convenient, turnkey solution for grass fed beef products in the U.S.,” Jeff Tripician, president and CEO of Grass Fed Foods, said in a written statement. Tripician joined Teton Waters in May of this year.

“We are building this platform to provide our customers with the ability to order all the grass fed beef they need — from fresh boxed beef / primals, case-ready steaks, grinds and patties to processed items like hot dogs, dinner and breakfast sausages, meatballs and cocktail franks — all on one purchase order, on one truck, from one company. And everything we do ties to our three value pillars that emphasize products that are better for you, better for the planet, better for the cattle and the ranchers who raise them.” 

“We are excited to be a part of this important milestone in the grass fed beef industry. The combination of Teton Waters Ranch and SunFed Ranch, which are highly complementary brands, under the leadership of Trip and his team, will enable Grass Fed Foods to become the leading platform in better-for-you protein,” said Vincent Love, co-founder and managing partner of Sunrise Strategic Partners, a private equity firm supporting the company.

According to the Power of Meat report, more than eight in 10 shoppers are looking for one or more “Better-for” options — me/my family, the planet, the animal and ranchers — when purchasing meat. And for those specifically focused on the planet, 74% are looking specifically for grass-fed beef options, the press statement said.  

SunFed Ranch, one of the two core brands that now make up the Grass Fed Foods platform, is the nation’s leading brand of domestic grass fed beef, offering boxed beef and case-ready options for steaks, grinds, patties, and other value-added fresh cuts.

“As fifth generation ranchers, our role as stewards of the land, livestock and ranchers is at the very core of what we do at SunFed Ranch,” said Chris Donati, SunFed Ranch co-founder. “We have grass fed ranching and livestock relationships that allow us to scale the brand with great partners coast-to-coast.”

Grass Fed Foods first products will hit retail shelves in early 2023, the company said.

For Tripician, “the time is right for grass-fed beef with consumer interest in organic, sustainable and regenerative foods at an all-time high. Grass Fed Foods will lead the way for consumers who want to upgrade their beef purchases to a better, healthier choice for themselves, their families and the planet, allowing them to embrace these products.”