Food, Beverage & Agribusiness

Mesirow is committed to...

delivering an exceptional client experience through every engagement. With deep sector expertise across the food value chain and long-standing industry relationships, we offer a nuanced understanding of evolving consumer trends and category dynamics. Our exclusive focus on the middle market gives us insight into the priorities of entrepreneurial owners and private equity sponsors. Backed by decades of relevant transaction experience and a global network, our senior bankers provide tailored, hands-on advisory to enable food, beverage, and agribusiness companies achieve their strategic and financial goals.

Advantages

Recent news & insights

June 2025 Market Update

M&A activity remained strong in June, with 36 announced transactions, edging out May and sustaining the elevated pace in recent months. Disclosed enterprise value topped $3 billion, marking the fifth consecutive month above the $1 billion threshold. Strategic and hybrid acquirers continued to drive volume, while private equity platforms remained selective amid ongoing financing headwinds and a palpable quality divide.

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Food Services Management

Founded in 2010 and based in Champaign, IL, College Fresh provides comprehensive food service management solutions to collegiate fraternities, sororities and private dining halls, handling every aspect of the process from procurement and menu development to preparation and multi-daypart meal service.

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Candy, Nuts & Snacks

Founded in 1920 in Denver, Colorado, Hammond’s develops, manufactures and markets specialty candies and snacks. As one of the preeminent U.S. manufacturers and marketers of handmade candy, the Company offers a diverse portfolio of products under three national brands: Hammond’s, Old Dominion and McCraw’s. Products are sold through the specialty retail, grocery, convenience, home improvement, hospitality, gifting and e-commerce channels.

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AgTech

PlayGreen is the world’s leading turf management technology company, responsible for developing and maintaining natural grass playing surfaces in sports including, football (soccer), American football, baseball, golf, tennis, rugby, cricket and other professional and amateur sports for more than 600 international sports teams, leagues, and governing bodies worldwide.

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Paul Mariani featured on "Why It’s a Great Time to Invest in CPGs" hosted by Naturally Chicago

Paul shares insights on the CPG investment landscape, highlighting a unique M&A window driven by strategic demand and the strong growth potential of scalable, proven brands.

Listen in

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Sector focus

Inputs & agribusiness

- Agronomy
- Agtech
- Biofuels
- Crop inputs
- Feed & ingredients
- Production
- Storage & distribution

Fruits & Vegetables

- Growers
- Packers
- Shippers
- Processors

Ingredients & flavors

- Functional & sensory
- Edible oils
- Inclusions
- Sauces
- Spices & sweeteners

Branded & private label

- Packaged food & beverage
- Emerging brands
- Heritage brands
- Natural & organic
- Prepared foods

Distributors & wholesalers

- Foodservice
- Retail
- Re-distributors

Multi-unit

-C-store/grocery chains
-Foodservice management
-Restaurants (corporate/franchised)
-Specialty concepts

“We take a disciplined and holistic approach to building relationships throughout the entire food value chain with the goal of delivering the exceptional results our clients expect and deserve.”

Paul Mariani, Managing Director, Head of Food, Beverage & Agribusiness, Investment Banking