Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs is a familiar name in grocery stores across the United States, recognized for its commitment to organic, free-range, and pasture-raised eggs. Consumers who prioritize ethical and sustainable food choices often reach for Pete and Gerry’s or Nellie’s Free Range Eggs, and Consider Pastures™. But who owns Pete and Gerry’s eggs and what does this ownership structure mean for the brand’s future and commitment to quality?
In 2021, a significant shift occurred in the ownership of this beloved egg brand. Let’s crack open the details and explore who the parent company of Pete and Gerry’s is and what it signifies for their operations and values.
Butterfly Equity Acquires Majority Stake in Pete and Gerry’s Organics
The answer to “who owns Pete and Gerry’s eggs” is Butterfly Equity. In May 2021, Butterfly, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm specializing in the food sector, announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Pete and Gerry’s Organics, LLC. This acquisition marked a new chapter for Pete and Gerry’s, while ensuring the continuation of its mission and operational ethos.
Alt text: Pete and Gerry’s Organic, Nellie’s Free Range, and Consider Pastures egg cartons showcasing the brand’s product range.
According to the official press release, Pete and Gerry’s CEO, Jesse Laflamme, retained an ownership position and continues to lead the company. British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) also joined as a minority investor alongside Butterfly and Mr. Laflamme. This partnership structure suggests a blend of continued leadership from the original team and new investment to fuel growth and expansion.
Adam Waglay, Co-Founder of Butterfly, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Jesse and the Pete and Gerry’s team to help them bring healthy, delicious and humanely raised eggs to even more homes across the country. We believe the company’s future is incredibly bright as the market leader in the premium egg category.”
Jesse Laflamme, CEO of Pete and Gerry’s, also highlighted the careful consideration behind choosing Butterfly as a partner: “After growing a family business over several decades, Pete and Gerry’s has achieved a position in the market where we are poised to accelerate growth. The choice to bring Butterfly into our family business required careful consideration of the alignment of values, mission, and the intention to build and grow. After meeting with the Butterfly team it was obvious they were the most ideal partner for our business and for all our stakeholders, from family farmers to our customers and consumers.”
Understanding Butterfly Equity: Seed-to-Fork Investment
To understand the implications of this ownership change, it’s crucial to know more about Butterfly Equity. Butterfly is not just any private equity firm; they specialize exclusively in the food sector. Their investment philosophy is described as “seed to fork,” meaning they invest across the entire food value chain, from agriculture and aquaculture to food and beverage products, distribution, and foodservice.
Alt text: Butterfly Equity logo, representing a private equity firm specializing in the food industry.
This focused approach suggests that Butterfly brings deep industry knowledge and a commitment to the food sector, which could be beneficial for Pete and Gerry’s. Their expertise can potentially provide resources and strategic guidance to further enhance Pete and Gerry’s market position and operational efficiency.
Dustin Beck, Co-Founder of Butterfly, emphasized the alignment of values between the two companies: “Pete and Gerry’s is a forward-thinking, mission-driven company that provides a better egg to consumers, a better life for hens and a better model for America’s small family farmers. Butterfly is absolutely aligned with their mission and looks forward to supporting the team to continue these efforts.”
Pete and Gerry’s Organics: A Legacy of Humane and Sustainable Egg Production
While ownership has shifted, the core values and operational principles of Pete and Gerry’s Organics remain central to the brand. Tracing its roots back to a small family farm in the late 1800s, Pete and Gerry’s has a long history of raising chickens humanely and sustainably. This commitment has been passed down through three generations.
The company partners with over 130 small family farms across the country, all adhering to strict standards for humane animal treatment and environmental sustainability. Pete and Gerry’s was the first Certified Humane egg producer in the U.S. in 2003 and the first egg producer globally to achieve Certified B-Corporation status in 2013. These certifications underscore their long-standing dedication to ethical and sustainable practices.
Alt text: Image depicting Pete and Gerry’s family farm heritage, highlighting their long history in egg production.
Brands under the Pete and Gerry’s umbrella, including Pete and Gerry’s Organic®, Nellie’s Free Range®, and Consider Pastures™, are recognized as leaders in their respective market segments. This acquisition by Butterfly Equity is poised to potentially strengthen these brands and expand their reach, while ideally maintaining the foundational values that have resonated with consumers.
Conclusion: Continued Commitment Under New Ownership
So, who owns Pete and Gerry’s eggs now? The majority owner is Butterfly Equity, a food-sector-focused private equity firm. However, it’s crucial to note that the original CEO, Jesse Laflamme, remains involved, and the company emphasizes the alignment of values between Pete and Gerry’s and Butterfly.
This acquisition appears to be a strategic move to propel growth and expand the reach of Pete and Gerry’s mission of providing ethically produced, high-quality eggs. For consumers who choose Pete and Gerry’s for its commitment to humane treatment and sustainability, the message from both companies is clear: this acquisition is intended to strengthen, not compromise, those values. The future of Pete and Gerry’s eggs under Butterfly Equity’s ownership will be one to watch, but the foundations of quality and ethical production seem set to continue.
