Rudi’s Organic Bakery welcomes back industry heavyweight
Rudi’s has utilised small batch baking techniques since its founding in 1976, cultivating a devoted band of followers who seek to enjoy bread without compromise. The company has a strong position in the natural grocery channel and a growing presence in the conventional mass channel. It is fast-tracking innovation and has a total of 55 SKUs across the organic and gluten-free bakery product segment.
Former CEO Jane Miller brings with her over 30 years of experience in the FMCG industry – including Hostess, PepsiCo and Bestfoods Baking – and most recently as CEO of low sugar, better-for-you Lily’s Sweets. During her tenure, she cemented Rudi's #1 position in organic bakery following its venture into the gluten free space, and orchestrated its sale to The Hershey Company in June for $425m.
She has also held the CEO role at HannahMax Baking, a maker of low-sugar cookies, and high protein frozen yoghurt brand ProYo.
Most recently, she co-founded Haevn, a company dedicated to providing career opportunities and personal development to college-aged students.
Miller held the position as Rudi’s CEO from 2008 to 2014.
“I am thrilled to be involved again with Rudi’s, a business that has grown to be an iconic brand in the Natural and Organic industry,” said Miller.
“Since Sheldon Romer founded Rudi’s in 1976, the company has been committed to providing the most delicious baked goods, using the highest quality ingredients. Mayfair Equity Partners and the Rudi’s board of directors have an incredible vision for Rudi’s growth, and I am honoured to be a part of this next chapter.”
Building on great foundations
Following the 2020 divestiture from Hain Celestial to Ireland-based PureBred Gluten Free, owner of the Promise Gluten Free brand, Rudi’s has focused on growing its national footprint, increasing sales and the development of new SKUs.
The Boulder, Colorado-based bakery has built a reputation for producing high quality baked goods made from natural ingredients, with no preservatives, high fructose corn syrup or trans-fat. Rudi’s was last certified organic by in July 2018 by Quality Assurance International (QAI).
The bakery offers an assortment of freshly baked small-batch baked organic and gluten-free goods mixing old world formulations with modern bread-making approaches.
Rudi’s chairperson Cem Karakas said Miller’s personal knowledge of the business as well as her leadership in the natural food space makes her uniquely qualified to contribute to the growth of the company.
“Working together, we will continue to accelerate Rudi’s growth and build on the great foundations she established when she was the CEO.”
