Live Better Brands LLC, maker of Way Better Snacks, announced it has acquired 100 percent equity interests of Canada-based BioEssential Botanicals Inc., furthering the company’s leadership role in the quickly growing sprouted food category. Live Better Brands is acquiring BioEssential Botanicals from its founders, Dennis and Gail Barker, for an undisclosed amount and the business will be renamed Live Better Sprouting Innovation Inc.

Launched in the fall of 2011, Live Better Brands produces all-natural snacks under the Way Better Snacks brand name and is guided by the simple premise to make products that people can feel good about eating and sharing with others. This is done by sourcing high quality seeds, grains and beans and germinating (sprouting) as many of them as possible.

With interest in more wholesome snacks booming, both retailers and consumers have been quick to support the Way Better Snacks brand. In less than three years, the company has grown rapidly as it expects 2014 revenue to climb to between $20 and $25 million dollars, with distribution in upwards of 20,000 stores across the U.S. and Canada. The company expects to nearly double its revenue and distribution locations over the next 12 to 18 months.

Its initial product lines, Simply Sprouted Tortilla Chips and Simply Sprouted Pita-ahh Chips, are first-of-a-kind snacks to incorporate sprouted ingredients like flaxseed, chia seeds, quinoa, black beans, broccoli seeds, mustard seeds, kale seeds and daikon radish seeds. These are the key ingredients Live Better Brands has sourced from BioEssential Botanicals since the company launched. Complemented by a simple ingredient label, certified Non-GMO, Certified Gluten Free tortilla chips and low gluten pita chips, Certified Whole Grain and Kosher status, these sprouted ingredients are the driving force behind what makes Way Better Snacks a truly way better snack.

“When launching Way Better Snacks, we determined early on that BioEssential Botanicals was a leader in its development and understanding of the sprouting process, and deep commitment to ingredient quality,” said Jim Breen, Live Better Brands CEO and founder. “Partnering with BioEssentials has been a key part of Way Better Snacks success, and I’m now excited to grow the sprouted foods category to new heights through Live Better Sprouting Innovation.”

Located in Stirling, Ontario, BioEssential Botanicals is a science-based, award-winning company, owned and operated by Dennis Barker, BioEssential Botanicals CEO and president, and Gail Barker, BioEssential Botanicals vice president of operations. They have spent nearly 30 years researching the effect of bio-activating seed through germination and have been recognized by Industry Canada in the area of Innovation and Technology.

Under the acquisition agreement, Dennis and Gail Barker will continue their award-winning work as key members of Live Better Sprouting Innovation.

“I know I speak for our entire team when I say we’re enthusiastic about joining the Live Better Brands organization,” said Dennis Barker. “This change will offer us the ability to further our mission of creating nutritious foods that have a positive impact on overall health and well-being. Jim and I are aligned on bringing waves of innovation to an array of food products that tap into the power of sprouted ingredients.”