New Seasons Market
Industry
Consumer
Status
Realized

New Seasons Market (“New Seasons”) operates a group of highly differentiated, neighborhood grocery stores in Oregon and Northern California under the New Seasons Market and New Leaf Community Markets banners. New Seasons stores offer a unique mix of natural/organic items, locally sourced items, and select conventional products to meet all of a customer’s shopping needs. Both banners are deeply committed to their local communities, the local food economy, sustainable practices, and their employees. They are the first two grocers in the country to earn B Corp certification, one of the highest standards for environmental and social responsibility.

New Seasons was founded in Portland, Oregon in 1999 by three pioneers in the natural foods industry who wanted to develop a grocery store committed to taking care of its employees, customers, community, and environment. New Leaf Community Markets was founded in Santa Cruz in 1985 by another pioneer in the natural foods industry and shares nearly the same mission and commitments. Endeavour developed a relationship with the owners of New Seasons, and separately of New Leaf Community Markets, over many years and was particularly attracted to the Companies’ loyal consumer following, the unique product mix and related expertise, and the founders’ commitments to their local communities. In 2009, Endeavour invested in New Seasons to provide partial liquidity to the existing shareholders, facilitate a transition to the next generation of leadership, and support growth.

In 2013, New Seasons acquired New Leaf Community Markets to build scale by partnering with a Company and management team exemplifying the same values and practices of New Seasons. Endeavour and the New Seasons and New Leaf Community Markets shareholders, together invested in the Company’s infrastructure and talent to support growth, and in new stores, while preserving the Company’s mission and unique local and community-oriented strategy.

After ten years of partnership, New Seasons Market merged with Good Food Holdings in 2020, a company previously formed by Endeavour and sold in early 2019 to Emart, a large Korean-based retailer. The new owner is committed to continuing each regional brands’ growth strategies and mission commitments.