Boulder, Colo.-based Sunrise Strategic Partners has invested in clean-label chocolate company Little Secrets, allowing it to grow distribution and bolster marketing efforts.
Founded in 2015 by CEO Chris Mears, Little Secrets produces candy-coated pieces are made with Fair Trade 55% dark chocolate and without artificial ingredients. The brand recently launched nationwide in Whole Foods and is also available on Amazon (excluding summer months) and at HEB, Stop & Shop, King Soopers, Natural Grocers, Meijer and Wegmans.
Mears said he launched his Boulder-based brand to create a “slightly less guilty pleasure.”
“I'm now looking forward to expanding our product line across other proven forms and to bringing Little Secrets to more consumers across the country," he said.
Mears added that Jeremy Vandervoet, former director of marketing for Nestlé USA's confection and snacking division, is joining Little Secrets as president and coo.
“With over a decade of experience at Nestle, Jeremy brings strategic insights and a deep network that will help us continue to grow the Little Secrets brand,” Mears said.
This marks the ninth investment for Sunrise, a brand accelerator providing growth expertise and capital to early-stage health and wellness brands.
"When Chris left Boulder Brands to start Little Secrets, I was excited for him but sad to see him go,” said Steve Hughes, ceo and co-founder of Sunrise Strategic Partners. “I'm thrilled to be partnering with him again on such an exciting business. Chris has done a terrific job bringing real innovation to the world of clean label chocolate, and we believe Little Secrets is at inflection point.”
