Who Owns Annie's?

Annie's Homegrown was founded in 1989 by Ann Withey and Andrew Martin in Hampton, Connecticut. The company started with a single product: Annie's Macaroni and Cheese, made with organic pasta and real cheese. The brand distinguished itself with a purple box and a rabbit mascot named Bernie, appealing to health-conscious consumers and parents looking for natural alternatives to processed foods. This founding vision was revolutionary in the food industry, demonstrating that organic and natural foods could be both delicious and appealing to mainstream consumers while maintaining high quality standards and ethical sourcing practices.

The company grew steadily throughout the 1990s and 2000s, expanding into organic snacks, crackers, fruit snacks, and baking mixes. Annie's maintained its commitment to using organic and natural ingredients while building a loyal customer base among health-conscious consumers. The brand's expansion reflected growing consumer interest in organic and natural foods during this period, showcasing Annie's ability to identify and capitalize on emerging market trends while maintaining its core values and product quality standards. This steady growth demonstrated the brand's appeal to consumers seeking healthier alternatives without sacrificing taste or convenience.

Annie's went public in March 2012, trading on the NYSE under the ticker BNNY. The initial public offering raised approximately $86 million and valued the company at $330 million. The public listing provided capital for further expansion and product development while maintaining the company's commitment to organic and natural food principles. This successful IPO demonstrated investor confidence in the growing organic food market and Annie's position as a leader in the natural and organic foods segment, validating the company's business model and growth strategy.

In September 2014, General Mills acquired Annie's for $46 per share, totaling approximately $820 million. The acquisition gave General Mills a strong foothold in the fast-growing organic and natural food market, which was experiencing double-digit growth while traditional packaged foods stagnated. The acquisition was seen as a strategic move by General Mills to capitalize on changing consumer preferences toward healthier and more transparent food options. This acquisition demonstrated General Mills' recognition of the strategic importance of the organic and natural foods segment and its willingness to invest in brands that could help the company adapt to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics.

Under General Mills' ownership, Annie's has continued to expand its product line while maintaining its organic and natural positioning. The brand has benefited from General Mills' extensive distribution network and resources while preserving its authentic brand identity and commitment to quality ingredients. This successful integration demonstrates how large food corporations can acquire and scale successful niche brands while maintaining their distinctive positioning and appeal, showcasing General Mills' ability to balance corporate efficiency with brand authenticity and consumer trust.