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Shining a light on PE ownership.

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SN

Snapple Beverage Group

food_consumer
PE-OWNED

Beverage company producing fruit drinks, teas, and specialty beverages.

PE-OWNED

Acquired by Sun Capital Partners2018-10-29

View PE Firm Profile

What Made It Great

“

Iconic beverage brand with strong consumer loyalty and quirky marketing

What PE Will Likely Do

Predictions

Snapple will likely replace high-quality fruit juices, teas, and other natural ingredients with cheaper, lower-quality substitutes to reduce costs

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: Sun Capital Partners' track record of cost-cutting, debt loading, and brand revitalization tactics, which often lead to quality degradation

Snapple will likely reduce package sizes for its products while maintaining or increasing prices (shrinkflation)

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The industry playbook for the food and consumer sector, which indicates a high frequency of ingredient downgrades, shrinkflation, supply chain changes, formula changes, and manufacturing consolidation

Snapple will likely switch to lower-cost suppliers and manufacturing processes, which could impact the taste and quality of its beverages

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The negative consumer impact score associated with Sun Capital Partners' acquisition strategies

Snapple may alter its product recipes to further reduce costs, which could change the taste and flavor profiles of its iconic drinks

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The negative consumer impact score associated with Sun Capital Partners' acquisition strategies

Snapple may consolidate its manufacturing operations, leading to the closure of some production facilities

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The negative consumer impact score associated with Sun Capital Partners' acquisition strategies

Expected Timeline

Phases
0-6 monthsCompleted

“0 to 6 months months”

Minimal visible changes as ownership transition occurs

6-12 monthsYOU ARE HERE

“6 to 12 months months”

Behind-the-scenes changes to suppliers, ingredients, and manufacturing processes begin

12-24 months

“12 to 24 months months”

Consumers start noticing quality differences in Snapple's products, and the brand's reputation may begin to suffer as complaints increase

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What You Can Do

Take Action

Actions

  • Be vigilant for changes in the taste, quality, and packaging of Snapple products

  • Consider purchasing alternative, higher-quality beverage options if you notice a decline in Snapple's quality

  • Voice your concerns and feedback to Snapple and Sun Capital Partners if you notice significant changes to the products you enjoy

Alternatives

Research independent alternativesSAFE

Look for family-owned or employee-owned businesses

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"Snapple Beverage Group is now PE-owned. Here's what that means for you."