LOVELAND, COLO. — Ka-Pop! Snacks, makers of Ancient Grain Popped Chips & Puffs, and Bubba's Fine Foods, makers of paleo and keto-friendly snacks, granolas, and private label goods, have merged to create Awakened Foods.

The combined company will be headquartered in Loveland and will be led by Dustin Finkel as chief executive officer and Jeff Schmidgall as chief operating officer. Mr. Finkel is the former CEO and founder of Ka-Pop! Snacks, and Mr. Schmidgall is the former CEO and founder of Bubba's Fine Foods. Combined, they bring more than 45 years of consumer products leadership, manufacturing and finance experience.

“The combination of two companies at this early trajectory is extraordinary,” Mr. Finkel said. “Rarely is there such a perfect fit in culture, capabilities, products and innovation. This merger allows us to simultaneously accelerate our top and bottom line, building on an already strong gross margin foundation and 2020 growth rates of over 200%.”

He continued, “We believe making and sharing food is a sacred privilege. We take that responsibility incredibly seriously as both Jeff and I have overcome mental and physical health challenges by committing to clean eating and a healthy lifestyle. Our products represent the best potential of food — uncompromising in their taste and health — bringing joy back to healthy eating. The historic wins across our brands and channels, including the No. 1 launches on Amazon in three categories in 2020 for Bubba's Keto Granola, Keto Snack Mix, and Ka-Pop! Vegan Cheddar Puffs are just a peek at our potential.”

Awakened Foods will serve as the holding company for the branded businesses, Ka-Pop! Snacks and Bubba's Fine Foods, and the co-manufacturing division, Awakened Food Crafters.