(WXYZ) — Michigan-made brands Kar's Nuts, Second Nature Snacks and Sanders Chocolates are under now under a new corporate platform, Second Nature Brand.
The brands had previously operated under the Kar's Nuts corporate umbrella.
“Over more than 140 years, our heritage brands – Kar’s Nuts, Second Nature Snacks, and Sanders Chocolates – while all made in Michigan - have built a strong national reputation for making snacks and treats that people love,” said Victor Mehren, CEO, in a press release. “These businesses have grown significantly over the last several years, and we see many opportunities for expanding our new platform both through brand innovation, strategic investments and acquisitions. Under the Second Nature Brands umbrella, our market-leading brands are positioned for accelerated growth.”
Mehren said the company is investing more than 50% of its resources towards innovation, new product development and production infrastructure.
"Even as we expect continued growth on our core product lines, including Detroit classics like Sanders Bumpy Cakes and dessert toppings and Kar’s Sweet and Salty mix, we are investing heavily in exciting new products and formulations, which we expect to account for a significant amount of revenues in the coming years," he said.
In 2021, the company plans to market more than 25 new better-for-you products from its Second Nature Snacks and Sanders Chocolates brands.
The new snacks and treats will include Second Nature Smart Mixes, Sanders Organic Dairy-free Sea Salt Caramels and Sanders Sea Salt Caramel Thins. Kar’s Nuts will also introduce its new Kar’s Snack Max line, a savory, flavor-forward better snack mix.
Additionally, Second Nature Brands has begun construction of a new "innovation center," which will feature a recipe development lab and consumer testing facility.
The center will be located in Clinton Township.
