Snyder's-Lance Inc., Charlotte, NC, announced Nov. 4 that it is creating a new, “better-for-you” division as well as increasing its investment in Late July Snacks LLC, a Barnstable, MA-based manufacturer of organic and non-GMO snacks.

"We see our company growing and evolving to become the trusted leader in snacking, including better for you snacking options," says Carl E. Lee Jr., president and CEO of Snyder's-Lance. "To support this direction, we needed the right partner, which we found in Nicole Dawes and Late July. While we have been ahead of our competitors in providing healthy snacks, this new division intensifies that focus and enables us to become the trusted leader in healthy snacking and sustainable food."

Dawes, CEO and founder of Late July, will retain her ownership position in the company and, with her entire team, continue to run the company from its Boston and San Francisco Bay offices.

"I wasn't looking to sell out, so the opportunity to create a better for you platform with a focus on organic and non-GMO foods from the ground up was just what I was looking for," says Dawes. "What excites me most about our relationship with this new division is the ability to continue being an alternative to the big food conglomerates and the guarantee that Late July will always be synonymous with leadership and advocacy for organic and non-GMO foods. This partnership also makes Late July the only organic, non-GMO food brand with access to its own national direct store distribution (DSD) system which is a game-changer for sustainable food.”