Good Culture has shown a 79% CAGR over the last five years, while increasing its distribution footprint to over 10,000 stores. The press release notes that it is the #1 cottage cheese brand in the natural channel, and the #1 natural cottage cheese brand in MULO.
“In just six years, Good Culture has revolutionized the long-overlooked cottage cheese and sour cream categories,” said Manna Tree Director, Sylvio Petto Neto. “We’re excited to add Good Culture to our large and growing portfolio of better-for-you brands such as Health-Ade. At Manna Tree, we are inspired to improve human health through nutrition, and we are confident that we can help Good Culture build on its strong foundation to become the leading cultured dairy brand.”
CEO and Co-founder Jesse Merrill’s vision for Good Culture came from his desire to use food as functional medicine, the press release says. Merrill focused on cultured dairy as a starting point, building a brand that used clean, whole ingredients and fresh cultured dairy, responsibly sourced from regenerative agricultural farms.
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The funding from SEMCAP was driven by Managing Partner John Haugen, who was an early investor in Good Culture from his time with General Mills’ 201 INC. “I’ve worked closely with Jesse and his team over the past six years and have witnessed firsthand their impressive growth,” said Haugen. “Good Culture has built a portfolio of remarkable products that are on trend with today’s consumer and they are leading the way with their commitment to pasture-raised dairy and regenerative agriculture. This really aligns to SEMCAP's mission to change humanity for the better, and we believe that fueling Good Culture's growth is a phenomenal way to positively impact people and the planet."Merrill said that this funding will help grow the Good Culture team, expand awareness-driving marketing, and enhance manufacturing, as well as provide liquidity to some early shareholders, including CAVU Venture Partners. Good Culture will also drive product development, with plans to grow its offerings.
