Executives say it’s a sweet deal.

Maple Ridge Farms (asi/68680), a Wisconsin-based supplier of food gifts and one of the Counselor 2024 Best Places to Work, has made the first acquisition in the firm’s 45-year history, purchasing Sweeter Cards (asi/90354), a Missouri-headquartered supplier of greeting cards that feature gourmet treats like chocolate and cookies.

Jodie Schillinger, Maple Ridge Farms (asi/68680), and Stacy Stahl, Sweeter Cards (asi/90354)

Financial terms of the deal between the privately held companies weren’t released. Executives said both firms will operate independently, but Sweeter Cards’ products will be available through Maple Ridge Farms. Distributors can continue to send Sweeter Cards orders to Sweeter Cards and Maple Ridge Farms orders to Maple Ridge Farms, the suppliers said.

Maple Ridge President Tom Riordan called the acquisition “a strategic move that enhances our market leadership and opens new avenues for growth and innovation.”

Jodie Schillinger, executive vice president at Maple Ridge Farms, said the companies will introduce new gourmet treats within Sweeter Cards that will feature Maple Ridge Farms’ array of food components. The initiative aims to provide customers with creative, premium-quality products in the under $15 (C) category.

The acquisition of Sweeter Cards is “a strategic move that enhances our market leadership and opens new avenues for growth and innovation.” Tom Riordan, Maple Ridge Farms (asi/68680)

“The synergy between Maple Ridge Farms and Sweeter Cards will drive innovative strategies, establishing a new industry standard and demonstrating the power of collaboration and forward-thinking solutions to create an epic branded food-gifting experience,” said Schillinger, noting that Maple Ridge is also planning enhancements in packaging and “creative offerings.”

Stacy Stahl founded Sweeter Cards in 2019. The company uses ethically sourced chocolate, recyclable card packaging and employs adults with disabilities. Sweeter Cards began as a retail venture and entered the promotional products industry in 2022.

Stahl is stoked to be joining Maple Ridge, which was founded in 1979.

“The industry’s respect for Maple Ridge Farms is unparalleled,” Stahl said. “Their deep distributor relationships and outstanding reputation will serve as a catalyst for Sweeter Cards, and I look forward to bringing the magical Sweeter Cards experience into their esteemed ecosystem.”

Rupt Ventures, the venture arm of supplier Rupt (asi/84203), had invested in Sweeter Cards in February. Rupt co-founder Jason Lucash said the partnership between Sweeter Cards and Maple Ridge is a win for everyone involved.

“I knew after Stacy joined Rupt Ventures and continued on her high trajectory growth path that she's been on, somebody would want to acquire her business,” Lucash told ASI Media. “I'm sad to see her leave the Rupt family of brands but I know she'll do great things over at Maple Ridge. I couldn’t be happier for her.”

Lucash said Rupt wants to see its investments sold because “that’s how we become successful."