Urban Farmer acquires CAULIPOWER to create leading better-for-you frozen foods platform

Urban Farmer has acquired CAULIPOWER in a move that creates what the companies described as the leading vertically integrated better-for-you frozen foods platform in the USA. The deal brings together Urban Farmer’s large-scale manufacturing capabilities and CAULIPOWER’s category-defining brand to drive innovation across branded, private-label, and co-manufactured products.

Announced on 3 November, the transaction marks a major milestone for both companies. Urban Farmer, a portfolio company of Paine Schwartz Partners, is a fully integrated producer of specialty dough products for major retailers and food brands across North America. CAULIPOWER, founded in 2016 by Gail Becker, is the top-selling gluten-free and cauliflower crust pizza brand in the USA.

The combination will leverage Urban Farmer’s end-to-end production infrastructure and CAULIPOWER’s national brand recognition to accelerate growth in the better-for-you frozen foods segment, which continues to expand as consumers seek healthier and more sustainable comfort foods. CAULIPOWER will continue to operate under its established name while gaining access to Urban Farmer’s manufacturing capabilities and innovation pipeline.

“CAULIPOWER has transformed how people think about comfort food,” said Chris Jaromin, CEO of Urban Farmer. “CAULIPOWER’s commitment to making better-for-you foods accessible and delicious aligns perfectly with Urban Farmer’s mission to combine culinary innovation with quality manufacturing. Together, we’ll expand our ability to bring nutritious, craveable foods to more tables across the country.”

Becker said the deal marks a full-circle moment for CAULIPOWER, which partnered with Urban Farmer during its early days to produce its first cauliflower crust pizzas. “When I founded CAULIPOWER in 2016, I searched for a co-manufacturer to bring my idea of a frozen cauliflower crust pizza to life. Most turned me down, but one said yes – and that was Urban Farmer,” she said. “How fitting that years after CAULIPOWER disrupted the US$6 billion frozen pizza category, our two companies are joining forces again in such a meaningful way. A huge debt of gratitude goes to the millions of consumers and retail partners who supported the brand and cheered us on.”

Under the new structure, Jaromin will continue to lead Urban Farmer as CEO, while Becker will join the company’s board and remain closely involved in guiding CAULIPOWER’s vision and innovation strategy. CAULIPOWER CEO Tyler Ricks said the merger strengthens the brand’s long-term growth prospects and leadership in the better-for-you frozen category.

“Combining CAULIPOWER’s groundbreaking brand and Urban Farmer’s integrated manufacturing platform creates a powerful engine for innovation and growth,” said Ricks. “We believe this combination establishes a clear category leader in better-for-you frozen dough and underscores our long-term conviction in the health and wellness segment of the industry.”

The acquisition adds CAULIPOWER’s extensive US retail distribution, brand equity, and product portfolio to Urban Farmer’s manufacturing base in Manteno, Illinois. Together, the companies will serve a broad range of customers across the branded, private-label, and co-manufacturing sectors, while exploring new product categories within better-for-you frozen foods.

Since launching its cauliflower crust pizza in 2017, CAULIPOWER has grown into the leading brand in its category and a recognized name in the broader gluten-free market. Its range now includes chickpea- and cauliflower-coated chicken, baked pizza bites, and other vegetable-forward frozen foods. Becker founded the company after her two sons were diagnosed with celiac disease, leaving her frustrated by the lack of nutritious and convenient gluten-free options.

Urban Farmer, known for its expertise in premium frozen doughs, crusts, and bakery products, partners with leading brands and retailers across North America. Its vertically integrated production model and focus on sustainability have made it a trusted supplier for major food companies looking to expand into health-conscious product lines.

Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. However, both parties said the combination would unlock operational efficiencies, innovation synergies, and expanded consumer reach.

“By joining forces, we’re not only creating a category leader but setting a new standard for accessibility and quality in better-for-you frozen foods,” Jaromin said.