Link Foods APAC acquires natural meat snack brand Kooee!
Link Foods APAC, part of global snack giant Jack Link’s, has acquired Kooee! Snack Foods.
The announcement:
Link Foods APAC, the Australian arm of global meat snack giant Jack Link’s, is proud to announce its acquisition of KOOEE! Snack Foods, effective from today.
Launched from a humble market stall at the Launceston Farmers’ Market in 2015, KOOEE! has grown into Australia’s leading natural meat snack brand.
Now ranged nationally in Woolworths and Coles, the brand is best known for its viral beef sticks made from 100% Aussie organic grass-fed beef — a hit among non-traditional meat snack audiences, especially women and kids.
High-profile fans include Celeste Barber, Jesinta Franklin, and health YouTuber Sarah Stevenson (Sarah’s Day).
The deal marks a significant step in Jack Link’s ongoing investment in the $15B+ global meat snacks category, and a strong vote of confidence in the power of local challenger brands within Australia’s fast-evolving, health-conscious snacking landscape.
“We’re thrilled to welcome KOOEE! to the Link Foods family,” said Shannon O’Connell, managing director of Link Foods APAC. “KOOEE! has built a brand that perfectly aligns with the way consumers are choosing to snack today — natural, high in protein, and made with integrity. Their commitment to quality and clean ingredients is unmatched, and we see this as a powerful addition to our growing portfolio in APAC.”
“This acquisition allows us to bring both our global and local scale and operational strength to a proudly homegrown brand, while continuing to support its unique voice, values, and connection with consumers,” O’Connell continued. “Together, we’ll be able to take KOOEE! to even more consumers across Australia, New Zealand and beyond.”
Founded by former consultants Shaun Malligan and Andy Fist, KOOEE! began with a simple mission: to clean up the meat snacks aisle with real, natural ingredients families could trust. From weekend stalls in Tasmania to nationwide retail and a growing e-commerce and export footprint, KOOEE! is now part of the Jack Link’s family — a rare and inspiring homegrown success story in Australia’s FMCG sector.
“KOOEE! started with a simple idea on Tasmania’s wild northwest coast — to make snacks we’d be proud to share with our families, using only real ingredients,” said Shaun Malligan, co-founder of KOOEE!. “To see how far we’ve come, and now to join forces with the global leader in meat snacks, is incredibly exciting.”
“I couldn’t think of a better home for KOOEE! than Link Foods,” he added. “They understand our vision and share our passion for quality and innovation. I’m looking forward to staying involved as an advisor during this next phase, ensuring we keep building on the momentum we’ve created and continue delivering exceptional snacks for our loyal customers.”
As part of the acquisition, KOOEE! will be integrated into Link Foods’ operations, gaining access to expanded manufacturing capabilities, broader distribution, and world-class R&D — while maintaining its distinct brand identity and product integrity.
For KOOEE!’s retail and distribution partners, it will be business as usual, with full continuity in supply, service, and support throughout the integration process.
Source: Adele Feletto Publicity
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