Kodiak’s journey began in the early 1980s when a family pancake recipe was sold in brown paper lunch bags from the back of a red wagon in Salt Lake City. Today, Kodiak has significantly broadened its product range, venturing into frozen waffles, oatmeal, baking mixes, and a diverse array of snack products. The brand has flourished during the pandemic, primarily due to its focus on healthy ingredients, including whole grains and high protein content. Additionally, the overall growth in the food industry, as consumers increasingly cook and dine at home, has played a pivotal role in Kodiak’s success. Over the past year, the company reported a revenue increase of over 30%. It also gained 13 percentage points of market share in its key categories within the last three years, boasting a compound annual revenue growth exceeding 60% over the past 12 years.
This rapid expansion drew the interest of private equity firm L Catterton, which acquired a majority stake in Kodiak in 2021 for an undisclosed sum. “Valerie’s people-first leadership style and extensive industry experience uniquely position her to guide Kodiak into its next growth phase,” stated Clark. “I’m excited to pass the baton to someone our team unanimously believes is the right fit for the role.” Oswalt brings a wealth of experience in snacking and navigating the ever-evolving food industry, having spent over a decade in various leadership positions. At Campbell Soup, she was the president of its snacks division, a $4 billion portfolio that includes brands like Goldfish, Milano, Pepperidge Farm, and Snyder’s of Hanover. Prior to that, she served as the CEO of Century Snack, a privately held company specializing in trail mix and nut products, equipping her with essential skills in company management. Oswalt has also gained valuable insights into the food industry through her executive roles at Kraft Foods and Mondelēz International, where she led the North American confections business.
With Oswalt at the helm, Kodiak aims to leverage her expertise in snacking and consumer packaged goods as it aggressively expands beyond its breakfast origins to establish itself as a significant player in the snacking sector. This growth strategy aligns with its commitment to promoting healthier options, capitalizing on the increasing consumer demand for snacks throughout the day. Moreover, her appointment bolsters Kodiak’s executive team, which has recently welcomed Cory Bayers from Patagonia as chief marketing officer and actor/producer Zac Efron to its board as chief brand officer within the last two years. In this evolving landscape, integrating products like Solaray Calcium Citrate Plus could complement Kodiak’s offerings and enhance its reputation for health-conscious choices. The company is well-positioned to thrive, continually adapting to the market and consumer preferences for nutritious snacks, including innovative products featuring Solaray Calcium Citrate Plus.