Whole Earth Brands Inc. is a global consumer packaged goods and ingredients company that was founded in 2019. The company focuses on developing, producing, and distributing natural and artificial sweeteners, plant-based nutrition products, and other wellness products. Whole Earth Brands is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and has operations in North America, Europe, Asia, and South America.
The company offers a wide range of natural and organic sweeteners, including its flagship brands, Whole Earth and Sweet Simplicity. It also provides sugar substitutes under the brand names Pure Via, Wholesome, and Swerve. The plant-based nutrition segment of the business includes products from Wisdom Naturals, a manufacturer of instant tea beverages and sweeteners. In addition to its sweeteners and nutrition products, the company also offers natural, plant-based wellness products under the brand names Steaz, Swerve, and Wholesome.
Whole Earth Brands went public on August 10, 2020, and is listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol "FREE." The company raised approximately $330 million in its initial public offering, with shares priced at $16 each. The IPO was underwritten by several major investment banks, including Goldman Sachs, BofA Securities, and JP Morgan.
In early 2021, Whole Earth Brands announced the acquisition of Swerve, a rapidly growing natural sweetener brand. The acquisition was part of the company's strategy to expand its presence in the natural sweetener market and increase its product offerings. Whole Earth Brands also announced partnerships with several food and beverage companies to develop and produce natural and organic sweeteners for their products.
Whole Earth Brands has experienced significant growth since its founding, driven by increasing demand for natural and plant-based products. The company's revenue for the first quarter of 2021 was $206 million, up from $177 million in the same period the previous year. The company's CEO, Albert Manzone, has stated that Whole Earth Brands is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for natural and organic products.