#United States #Specialty Food #Union #Awani Capital #Kulustyan

Awani Capital Partners with Kalustyan to Drive Growth in Specialty Food Ingredients

In an exciting development in the food industry, Awani Capital Management, LP, a private equity firm focused on middle-market essential business services, has announced a strategic partnership with Kalustyan, a prominent supplier of specialty food ingredients based in Union, New Jersey. This collaboration aims to accelerate Kalustyan's growth trajectory and expand its leadership within the market.

A New Era for Kalustyan

The partnership was unveiled on June 30, 2026, and is designed to leverage Awani’s operational expertise and financial resources. Kalustyan, known for its quality and reliability in supplying specialty ingredients to various sectors such as spice blending, food processing, and private-label bottling, is poised for significant expansion. According to Errol Karakash, CEO of Kalustyan, this strategic alliance ensures that while operational processes remain consistent, the company will enjoy enhanced growth opportunities. He stated, "In Awani, we have found a partner with experienced professionals to help us accelerate growth and pursue new opportunities. Importantly, our day-to-day operations and our 35-year commitment to delivering exceptional service remain unchanged."

Strengthening Market Leadership

The infusion of capital from Awani will enable Kalustyan to increase its operational capacity, expand sourcing relations, and innovate its customer service offerings—all crucial steps for maintaining its competitive edge. T. Otey Smith, a partner at Awani, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "For over three decades, Kalustyan has distinguished itself through its deep sourcing expertise and exceptional quality. We look forward to supporting their next phase of growth while upholding the entrepreneurial spirit that has become their hallmark."

This partnership not only aims for growth but also highlights the importance of preserving existing company culture and values, ensuring the continuity of Kalustyan's established practices and commitment to excellent service.

Who is Kalustyan?

Founded over 35 years ago, Kalustyan is well-recognized for its extensive capabilities in sourcing, processing, and quality assurance within the specialty ingredients sector. With three facilities spread across New Jersey and Indiana, the company employs approximately 130 dedicated staff members. They offer a diverse range of over 3,000 SKUs, focused on delivering custom-ground herbs, spices, and other ingredients that adhere to the highest standards of quality and food safety.

Kalustyan prides itself on fully traceable ingredient sourcing and operates under strict food safety programs that comply with FSMA and GFSI standards. The company’s reputation as a reliable partner in the food industry is set to benefit significantly from this new partnership with Awani.

About Awani Capital Management, LP

Based in the D.C. area, Awani Capital Management specializes in control investments in mid-market companies across North America. Their investment philosophy revolves around collaborating with management teams to enhance operational efficiency and promote sustainable growth. This venture into the specialty food sector with Kalustyan is in line with their commitment to supporting entrepreneurial businesses poised for the next chapter in their growth narrative.

In conclusion, the partnership between Awani and Kalustyan marks a pivotal moment in the specialty food ingredients market, promising innovative solutions and robust growth strategies that leverage the strengths of both companies. As they embark on this journey together, the implications for the market and their client base are profound and encouraging. This alliance represents a shared vision for the future, one that prioritizes quality, reliability, and exceptional service in an increasingly competitive landscape.