Scott LaPorta - A Force behind Newly Acquired Sugarfina USA, LLC

Drawing on an executive leadership background spanning the healthy and functional beverages space, Scott LaPorta has guided companies such as Bolthouse Farms, Neuro Brands, and GT’s Living Foods. Helping to drive Bristol Luxury Group’s recent acquisition of Sugarfina as a co-investor, Scott LaPorta has taken a role with the luxury candy retail chain as chief executive officer.

Known for its innovative and exclusive product line featuring quality ingredients and iconic packaging, Sugarfina, Inc., built up a portfolio of gateway locations across North America and Hong Kong. Also selling through specialty retailers and department store shop-in-shops, Sugarfina is popular for corporate gifting and has developed a robust e-commerce presence.

The purchase of Sugarfina and its affiliates’ assets by Bristol Luxury Group was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in October 2019 and resulted in the creation of a new operating company, Sugarfina USA, LLC.

Mr. LaPorta characterized the deal as enabling Sugarfina’s distribution growth across multiple channels, while continuing to provide consumers with the “sweet luxury experience” they crave.

Bristol Luxury Group Acquires Candy Brand Sugarfina

Chocolate
Photo by Heather Barnes on Unsplash

A California executive with an extensive background in healthy and functional beverages, Scott LaPorta until recently guided GT’s Living Foods as chief commercial and strategy officer. In November 2019, Scott LaPorta departed his leadership position with the kombucha maker to accept responsibilities as the CEO of Sugarfina USA, LLC, a chain luxury candy store.

This move coincided with the Bristol Luxury Group’s announcement of the acquisition of substantially all of Sugarfina, Inc., and its affiliates’ assets as part of a fast-unfolding bankruptcy process that took less than two months to complete.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved the transaction, which was spearheaded by the majority owners of Bristol, Paul L. Kessler and Diana Derycz-Kessler. In addition, Mr. LaPorta and Barlock Capital joined the Kesslers as co-investors.

As Scott LaPorta described it, going forward it will involve expanding distribution via a dynamic omni-channel strategy that will provide consumers with a “sweet luxury experience.” The candy brand already has gateway locations spanning Canada, Hong Kong, and the United States, as well as a presence in shop-in-shops at department stores and a strong e-commerce business.