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Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended April 1, 2023

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________ to ________

Commission File Number: 001-40837

Sovos Brands, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Graphic

Delaware

81-5119352

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

168 Centennial Parkway, Suite 200

Louisville, CO 80027

(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)

(720) 316-1225

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share

SOVO

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

(Nasdaq Global Select Market)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Date File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No

As of May 5, 2023, there were 101,226,478 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share outstanding.

Table of Contents

SOVOS BRANDS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED APRIL 1, 2023

INDEX

Page

PART I. Financial Information

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited):

3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity

6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

7

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

8

Item 2.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

29

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

44

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

44

PART II. Other Information

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

45

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

45

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

45

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

45

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

45

Item 5.

Other Information

45

Item 6

Exhibits

46

Signatures

48

2

Table of Contents

PART I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Sovos Brands, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands, except par value and share data)

    

April 1, 2023

    

December 31, 2022

ASSETS

 

  

 

  

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

  

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents

$

153,638

$

138,654

Accounts receivable, net

 

93,447

 

87,695

Inventories, net

 

86,727

 

92,602

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

12,382

 

11,974

Total current assets

 

346,194

 

330,925

Property and equipment, net

 

63,275

 

64,317

Operating lease right-of-use assets

12,724

13,332

Goodwill

 

395,399

 

395,399

Intangible assets, net

 

345,941

 

351,547

Other long-term assets

 

2,485

 

3,279

TOTAL ASSETS

$

1,166,018

$

1,158,799

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

  

 

  

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

  

 

  

Accounts payable

$

55,349

$

49,264

Accrued expenses

 

57,679

 

69,571

Current portion of long-term debt

 

94

 

99

Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities

3,365

3,308

Total current liabilities

 

116,487

 

122,242

Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs

 

482,580

 

482,344

Deferred income taxes

 

64,269

 

63,644

Long-term operating lease liabilities

13,204

14,063

Other long-term liabilities

 

517

 

483

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

677,057

 

682,776

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 11)

 

  

 

  

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

  

 

  

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding

Common stock, $0.001 par value per share, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 101,226,478 and 100,967,910 shares issued and outstanding as of April 1, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively

 

101

 

101

Additional paid-in-capital

 

583,172

 

577,664

Accumulated deficit

 

(95,445)

 

(103,291)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

1,133

1,549

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

488,961

 

476,023

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

1,166,018

$

1,158,799

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

Table of Contents

Sovos Brands, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

13 Weeks Ended

    

April 1, 2023

    

March 26, 2022

    

Net sales

$

252,791

$

209,933

Cost of sales

 

181,979

 

156,025

Gross profit

 

70,812

 

53,908

Operating expenses:

Selling, general and administrative

 

43,414

 

33,915

Depreciation and amortization

 

5,980

 

7,203

Total operating expenses

49,394

41,118

Operating income

 

21,418

 

12,790

Interest expense, net

 

8,701

 

6,022

Income before income taxes

 

12,717

 

6,768

Income tax (expense)

 

(4,871)

 

(2,711)

Net income

$

7,846

$

4,057

Earnings per share:

 

  

 

  

Basic

$

0.08

$

0.04

Diluted

$

0.08

$

0.04

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

Basic

 

101,186,223

 

100,892,547

Diluted

 

101,507,696

 

101,262,103

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Sovos Brands, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

13 Weeks Ended

    

April 1, 2023

    

March 26, 2022

Net income

$

7,846

$

4,057

Other comprehensive income:

Change in net unrealized loss on derivative instruments

(549)

Income tax effect

133

Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of tax

(416)

Total comprehensive income

$

7,430

$

4,057

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Sovos Brands, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands, except share data)

    

    

    

Additional

    

Retained Earnings

    

Accumulated Other

    

Total

Common Stock

Paid-in

(Accumulated

Comprehensive

    

Stockholders’

Shares

Amount

Capital

Deficit)

Income

Equity

Balance at December 31, 2022

 

100,967,910

$

101

$

577,664

$

(103,291)

$

1,549

$

476,023

Equity-based compensation expense

5,508

5,508

Shares issued upon vesting of restricted stock units

258,568

Other comprehensive loss

(416)

(416)

Net income

 

 

 

 

7,846

 

7,846

Balance at April 1, 2023

 

101,226,478

$

101

$

583,172

$

(95,445)

$

1,133

$

488,961

    

    

    

Additional

    

Retained Earnings

    

Accumulated Other

    

Total

Common Stock

Paid-in

(Accumulated

Comprehensive

Stockholders’

Shares

Amount

Capital

Deficit)

Income

Equity

Balance at December 25, 2021

 

100,892,547

$

101

$

559,226

$

(49,840)

$

$

509,487

Equity-based compensation expense

 

 

 

4,087

 

 

4,087

Net income

 

 

 

 

4,057

 

4,057

Balance at March 26, 2022

 

100,892,547

$

101

$

563,313

$

(45,783)

$

$

517,631

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Sovos Brands, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

13 Weeks Ended

    

April 1, 2023

    

March 26, 2022

Operating activities

 

  

 

  

Net income

$

7,846

$

4,057

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

  

Depreciation and amortization

 

8,469

 

9,555

Equity-based compensation expense

 

5,508

 

4,087

Gain on foreign currency contracts

(133)

Non-cash interest expense

164

Deferred income taxes

 

758

 

306

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

316

 

316

Non-cash operating lease expense

 

608

 

603

Provision for excess and obsolete inventory

836

484

Other

 

 

(6)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

  

Accounts receivable, net

 

(5,752)

 

(12,065)

Inventories, net

 

5,039

 

1,275

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(4,209)

 

(1,043)

Other long-term assets

 

(45)

 

(10)

Accounts payable

 

6,437

 

4,896

Accrued expenses

 

(7,897)

 

(538)

Other long-term liabilities

 

34

 

10

Operating lease liabilities

(802)

(728)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

17,177

 

11,199

Investing activities

 

  

 

  

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(2,173)

 

(7,180)

Net cash (used in) investing activities

 

(2,173)

 

(7,180)

Financing activities

 

  

 

  

Repayments of capital lease obligations

 

(20)

 

(24)

Net cash (used in) financing activities

 

(20)

 

(24)

Cash and cash equivalents

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

14,984

 

3,995

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

138,654

 

66,154

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

153,638

$

70,149

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

    

  

    

  

Cash paid for interest

$

9,973

 

$

5,937

Cash proceeds from interest

(1,282)

(3)

Cash paid for taxes

 

140

 

37

Proceeds from income tax refunds

 

(43)

 

(10)

Non-cash investing and financing transactions

 

 

  

Acquisition of property and equipment not yet paid

$

146

$

467

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Graphic

Note 1. Company Overview

Description of Business

Sovos Brands, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company,” “Sovos Brands,” “we,” “us,” “our”) is a growth-oriented consumer-packaged food company with a portfolio of brands aimed at bringing today’s consumers great tasting food that fits the way they live. The Company’s four wholly-owned operating subsidiaries include: Rao’s Specialty Foods, Inc. (“Rao’s”); Bottom Line Food Processors, Inc. doing business as Michael Angelo’s Gourmet Foods, Inc. (“Michael Angelo’s”); Noosa Yoghurt, LLC (“Noosa”); and Aidaca, LLC. The Company’s principal products include a variety of pasta sauces, dry pasta, soups, frozen entrées, frozen pizza and yogurts, which are primarily sold in the United States. The Company sells products marketed under the brand names Rao’s, Michael Angelo’s, and noosa which are built with authenticity at their core, providing consumers food experiences that are genuine, delicious, and unforgettable. Our products are premium and made with simple, high-quality ingredients. We are focused on continuing to build an organization with the capabilities to acquire and grow brands. We strive to empower our teams to lead with courage and tenacity, with the goal of providing them with the confidence and agility to connect with our consumers and retail partners to drive unparalleled growth. We believe our focus on “one-of-a-kind” brands, products that people love, and passion for our people makes Sovos Brands a “one-of-a-kind” company and enables us to deliver on our objective of creating a growing and sustainable food enterprise yielding financial growth ahead of industry peers.

Through the end of fiscal 2022, the Company sold products marketed under the brand name of Birch Benders, including pancake and waffle mixes, other baking mixes and frozen waffles. See Note 3. Loss on Asset Sale for additional information on the December 30, 2022 divestiture of the Birch Benders brand and certain related assets.

Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries and have been prepared in conformity with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars.

The Company maintains its accounting records on a 52/53-week fiscal year, ending on the last Saturday in December of each year. Our fiscal year ending December 31, 2022 (“fiscal 2022”) had 53 weeks.

Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company and its subsidiaries are unaudited. The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments and disclosures which are, in our opinion, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the indicated periods. All such adjustments were of a normal and recurring nature. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements and, in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q, certain information and footnote disclosures required by GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The results reported in these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be reported for the entire fiscal year and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 8, 2023 (“2022 Form 10-K”).

Graphic

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

There have been no material changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies as compared to the significant accounting policies described in Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s 2022 Form 10-K, other than what is described below.

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New Accounting Pronouncements and Policies

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The amendments of ASU No. 2020-04 apply only to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform and provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. During the third quarter of fiscal 2022 the Company elected to apply the hedge accounting expedients related to probability and the assessments of effectiveness for future LIBOR-indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedged transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 that postpones the sunset date of Topic 848 to December 31, 2024. The Company will continue to monitor the effects of rate reform, if any, on its contracts and the effects of adoption of these ASUs through December 31, 2024. The Company does not anticipate the amendments of this ASU to have a material impact to its consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. The Company previously adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) – Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments effective December 27, 2020, and therefore this amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments of ASU 2022-02 require that an entity disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in leases. The adoption of this ASU had no impact to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective during the quarter had or is expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Graphic

Note 3. Loss on Asset Sale

On December 30, 2022, the Company completed the divestiture of the Birch Benders brand and certain related assets to Hometown Food Company, a portfolio company controlled by Brynwood Partners VIII L.P. The Company is currently operating under a Transition Services Agreement with the buyer through June 30, 2023, and is in the process of winding down the remaining assets and liabilities that were not part of the sale.  

The divestiture of the Birch Benders brand and certain related assets positions the Company to focus on its core brands and drive sustainable growth.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized a pre-tax loss on the sale of Birch Benders of $51.3 million, calculated as follows:

(In thousands)

Cash received

$

40,000

Assets sold:

 

Inventory

 

(5,424)

Intangible assets, net

(85,867)

Total assets sold

 

(91,291)

Loss on asset sale

$

(51,291)

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Graphic

Note 4. Revenue Recognition

Revenue disaggregated by brand is as follows:

13 Weeks Ended

(In thousands)

    

April 1, 2023

    

March 26, 2022

Rao’s

$

189,191

$

137,412

Noosa

 

45,284

 

41,851

Michael Angelo’s

 

19,102

 

20,242

Birch Benders

 

(786)

 

10,428

Total net sales

$

252,791

$

209,933

The activity for Birch Benders for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 is related to winding down promotional discount activity in the period.

Note 5. Inventories, Net

Graphic

Inventories, net consisted of the following:

(In thousands)

    

April 1, 2023

    

December 31, 2022

Finished goods

$

73,205

$

76,404

Raw materials and packaging supplies

 

13,522

 

16,198

Total inventories, net

$

86,727

$

92,602

Graphic

Note 6. Goodwill

There were no changes in the carrying value or impairment charges related to goodwill during the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 and March 26, 2022.

Graphic

Note 7. Intangible Assets, Net

Intangible asset, net, consisted of the following:

April 1, 2023

Gross carrying

Accumulated

Net carrying

(In thousands)

amount

amortization

amount

Intangible assets - definite lives

  

    

  

    

  

Customer relationships

$

207,300

$

92,979

$

114,321

Tradename

 

101,747

 

23,127

 

78,620

309,047

116,106

192,941

Intangible assets - indefinite lives

 

 

  

 

  

Tradename

153,000

153,000

Total intangible assets

$

462,047

$

116,106

$

345,941

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December 31, 2022

Gross carrying

Accumulated

Sale of

Net carrying

(In thousands)

    

amount

    

amortization

intangible assets

    

amount

Intangible assets - definite lives

  

  

    

  

  

Customer relationships

$

213,000

$

89,201

$

5,082

$

118,717

Tradename

 

192,347

 

31,732

 

80,785

 

79,830

405,347

120,933

85,867

198,547

Intangible assets - indefinite lives

 

  

Tradename

 

153,000

153,000

Total intangible assets

$

558,347

$

120,933

$

85,867

$

351,547

In connection with the divestiture of the Birch Benders brand and certain related assets, the Company sold the net amount of definite lived tradename and customer relationships in the amounts of $80.8 million and $5.1 million, respectively, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. See Note 3. Loss on Asset Sale for additional discussion. There were no sales of definite lived intangible assets for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023.

Amortization expense related to intangible assets during the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 and March 26, 2022 was $5.6 million and $6.8 million, respectively.

There were no impairment charges related to intangible assets during the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 and March 26, 2022.

Estimated total intangible amortization expense during the next five fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:

(In thousands)

    

Amortization  

Remainder of 2023

$

16,819

2024

 

22,425

2025

 

22,425

2026

 

22,425

2027

 

17,782

Thereafter

 

91,065

Total

$

192,941

Note 8. Accrued Expenses

Graphic

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:

(In thousands)

    

April 1, 2023

    

December 31, 2022

Accrued trade

$

30,419

$

32,337

Accrued general expense

 

17,784

 

17,911

Accrued compensation and benefits

 

8,412

 

17,328

Accrued marketing

 

1,064

 

1,995

Total accrued expenses

$

57,679

$

69,571

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Graphic

Note 9. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

April 1, 2023

Unamortized

debt issuance

(In thousands)

Principal

costs

Total debt, net

Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility

    

$

480,800

    

$

(5,123)

    

$

475,677

Finance lease liabilities

6,997

 

6,997

Total debt

$

487,797

$

(5,123)

482,674

Less: current portion of finance lease liabilities

 

94

Total long-term debt

 

  

$

482,580

December 31, 2022

    

Unamortized

debt issuance

(In thousands)

Principal

costs

Total debt, net

Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility

$

480,800

$

(5,374)

$

475,426

Finance lease liabilities

 

7,017

 

 

7,017

Total debt

$

487,817

$

(5,374)

 

482,443

Less: current portion of finance lease liabilities

 

 

  

 

99

Total long-term debt

 

  

 

  

$

482,344

Senior Debt

In June 2021, Sovos Brands Intermediate, Inc. (“Sovos Intermediate”) entered into a First Lien Credit Agreement (“First Lien Credit Agreement”) among Sovos Intermediate, Sovos Brands Holdings, Inc., Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch (“Credit Suisse”), as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders and issuing banks from time to time party thereto (“First Lien Lenders”), consisting of an initial term loan facility of $580.0 million (“Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility”), and a revolving credit facility of $125.0 million (“Revolving Facility”), including a letter of credit facility with a $45.0 million sublimit.

The Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility was issued with a discount of $1.5 million and the Company paid debt issuance costs of $6.8 million. The discounts and debt issuance costs paid on the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility were capitalized. The debt transaction on the Revolving Facility was accounted for as a debt modification. The Company continued to amortize $0.2 million of debt issuance costs on a previous Revolving Line of Credit over the new life of the debt, and paid $1.1 million in debt issuance costs for the new Revolving Facility, which was capitalized.

In 2021, the Company prepaid $99.2 million of the outstanding principal balance under the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility. Upon the partial prepayment of the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility, the Company recognized a $1.4 million proportional loss on the partial extinguishment of the related unamortized issuance costs and discounts. The remaining principal balance on the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility, after the $99.2 million prepayment, is $480.8 million. The Company has directed Credit Suisse to apply the prepayment against future scheduled principal installments, which eliminates all future principal payments for the remaining term of the loan.

The amortization of debt issuance costs and discount of $0.3 million and $0.3 million for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 and March 26, 2022, respectively, is included within interest expense, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The interest rate for the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility is London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBO Rate”) plus an applicable rate contingent on the Company’s calculated first lien leverage ratio, ranging from 400 to 425 basis points, and was subject to a 50 basis points reduction, at each level, after the consummation of its initial public offering ("IPO"). In no event shall the LIBO Rate be less than 0.75% per annum for the Initial First Lien Term Loan

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Facility or less than 0.00% per annum for the Revolving Line of Credit. The Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility matures on June 8, 2028 and the Revolving Facility matures on June 8, 2026. The Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility is collateralized by substantially all the assets of the Company. On December 30, 2022, Sovos Intermediate and Birch Benders, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (renamed Aidaca, LLC), sold the Birch Benders brand and certain related assets to Hometown Food Company, a Delaware corporation, as permitted under the terms of the First Lien Credit Agreement.

The Company had available credit of $125.0 million under the Revolving Facility as of April 1, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. There was zero outstanding on the Revolving Facility as of April 1, 2023 and December 31, 2022. As of April 1, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the effective interest rate for the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility was 8.33% and 7.91%, respectively.

Loan Covenants

In connection with the First Lien Credit Agreement, the Company has various financial, affirmative and negative covenants that it must adhere to as specified within the loan agreements. The First Lien Credit Agreement contains a springing financial covenant, which requires the Borrower to maintain a first lien net leverage ratio of consolidated first lien net debt to consolidated EBITDA (with certain adjustments as set forth in the First Lien Credit Agreement) no greater than 6.95:1.00. Such financial covenant is tested only if outstanding revolving loans (excluding any undrawn letters of credit) minus unrestricted cash exceed 35% of the aggregate revolving credit commitments. The financial covenant is subject to customary “equity cure” rights. In addition, under the First Lien Credit Agreement, an annual excess cashflow calculation is required, to determine if any excess is required to be paid on the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility. As of April 1, 2023, the Company had no outstanding revolving loans, so did not meet the requirement to test the financial covenant under the First Lien Credit Agreement.

See Note 10. Leases and Note 17. Related Party Transactions for additional discussion of the finance lease liabilities.

Graphic

Note 10. Leases

The Company leases real estate in the form of distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, equipment and office space. Generally, the term for real estate leases ranges from 2 to 10 years at inception of the contract. Generally, the term for equipment leases is 5 years at inception of the contract. Most manufacturing facilities and office space leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that generally can extend the lease term from 2 to 30 years. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company’s discretion.

Operating and finance lease costs are included within Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Sublease income was not material for the periods presented.

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The components of lease expense were as follows:

13 Weeks Ended

(In thousands)

Statement of Operations Caption

April 1, 2023

March 26, 2022

Operating lease cost:

    

  

    

Lease cost

 

Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative

$

811

$

840

Variable lease cost (1)

 

Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative

 

427

363

Total operating lease cost

 

 

1,238

1,203

Short term lease cost

 

Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative

 

35

46

Finance lease cost:

 

  

 

Amortization of right-of-use assets

 

Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative

 

65

65

Interest on lease liabilities

 

Interest expense, net

 

132

133

Total finance lease cost

 

 

197

198

Total lease cost

$

1,470

$

1,447

(1)Variable lease cost primarily consists of common area maintenance, utilities, taxes and insurance.

The gross amount of assets and liabilities related to both operating and finance leases were as follows:

(In thousands)

Balance Sheet Caption

April 1, 2023

December 31, 2022

Assets

    

  

    

  

    

  

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

$

12,724

$

13,332

Finance lease right-of-use assets

 

Property and equipment, net

 

5,973

 

6,038

Total lease assets

 

$

18,697

$

19,370

Liabilities

 

  

 

  

 

  

Current:

Operating lease liabilities

Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities

$

3,365

$

3,308

Finance lease liabilities

Current portion of long-term debt

94

99

Long-term:

Operating lease liabilities

 

Long-term operating lease liabilities

 

13,204

 

14,063

Finance lease liabilities

 

Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs

 

6,903

 

6,918

Total lease liabilities

 

$

23,566

$

24,388

The weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rate for operating and finance leases were as follows:

    

April 1, 2023

    

December 31, 2022

Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):

 

Operating leases

6.3

6.4

Finance leases

34.1

34.2

Weighted-average discount rate

Operating leases

5.0

%  

4.9

%

Finance leases

 

7.9

%  

7.8

%

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Future maturities of lease liabilities as of April 1, 2023, were as follows:

(In thousands)

    

Operating Leases

    

Finance Leases

Fiscal year ending:

 

  

 

  

Remainder of 2023

$

3,058

$

457

2024

 

3,493

 

557

2025

 

2,982

 

549

2026

 

3,005

 

520

2027

 

3,064

 

525

Thereafter

 

3,856

 

18,445

Total lease payments

 

19,458

 

21,053

Less: Interest

 

(2,889)

 

(14,056)

Present value of lease liabilities

$

16,569

$

6,997

As of April 1, 2023, the Company did not have any significant additional operating or finance leases that have not yet commenced.

Supplemental cash flow and other information related to leases were as follows:

    

13 Weeks Ended

(In thousands)

April 1, 2023

March 26, 2022

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities

    

  

    

  

Operating cash flows from operating leases

$

1,004

$

1,011

Operating cash flows from finance leases

 

132

 

133

Financing cash flows from finance leases

20

24

Graphic

Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

From time to time, we are subject to various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business. We cannot predict with reasonable assurance the outcome of these legal actions brought against us as they are subject to uncertainties. Accordingly, any settlement or resolution in these legal actions may occur and affect our net income in such period as the settlement or resolution. We do not believe the outcome of any existing legal actions would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

Purchase Commitments

The Company has third-party purchase obligations for raw materials, packaging, and co-manufacturing. These commitments have been entered into based on future projected needs. As of April 1, 2023, the Company had outstanding minimum purchase commitments with one supplier. The estimated annual minimum purchase commitments with the supplier are as follows:

Fiscal Year Ending

    

(In thousands)

Remainder of 2023

$

1,827

2024

 

3,500

2025

 

1,492

2026

 

2027

 

Thereafter

 

Total

$

6,819

See Note 17. Related Party Transactions for information about our commitments to related parties.

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Graphic

Note 12. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date, and establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value as follows:

Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices); and

Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are based on unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data.

Cash and cash equivalents, current assets and current liabilities

Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, accounts payable and accrued expenses are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at carrying value, which approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

Borrowing instruments

The Company’s borrowing instruments are recorded at their carrying values in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, which may differ from their respective fair values. The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company’s Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility approximate their carrying values as of April 1, 2023 and December 31, 2022, based on interest rates currently available to the Company for similar borrowings.

Derivative financial instruments

The Company uses option contracts to manage foreign currency risk and uses interest rate caps (options) to manage interest rate risk. The Company’s derivative assets and liabilities are carried at fair value as required by GAAP. The estimated fair values of the derivative assets and liabilities on the Company’s forward contracts is based on foreign currency exchange rates in active markets. The estimated fair value of the interest rate instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities.

To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, we incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of our derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, we have considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts and guarantees.

Although we have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by us and our counterparties. We have determined that the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments made to our derivative contracts, which determination was based on the fair value of each individual contract, was not significant to the overall valuation. As a result, all of our derivatives held as of April 1, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

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The tables below present the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall.

As of April 1, 2023

Fair Value Measurements Using

(In thousands)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities
(Level 1)

Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)

Balance at April 1, 2023

Assets

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

$

$

100

$

$

100

Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships

$

$

2,915

$

$

2,915

Total assets

$

$

3,015

$

$

3,015

Liabilities

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

$

$

$

$

Total liabilities

$

$

$

$

As of December 31, 2022

Fair Value Measurements Using

(In thousands)

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities
(Level 1)

Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)

Balance at December 31, 2022

Assets

Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships

$

$

3,628

$

$

3,628

Total assets

$

$

3,628

$

$

3,628

Liabilities

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

$

$

33

$

$

33

Total liabilities

$

$

33

$

$

33

The fair value estimates presented herein are based on information available to management as of April 1, 2023. These estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we could ultimately realize. See Note 13. Hedging and Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information.

Non-financial assets

The Company’s non-financial assets, which primarily consist of property and equipment, right-of-use assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis and are reported at carrying value. The fair values of these assets are determined, as required, based on Level 3 measurements, including estimates of the amount and timing of future cash flows based upon historical experience, expected market conditions, and management’s plans.

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There were no transfers of financial instruments between the three levels of fair value hierarchy during the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 and the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

Graphic

Note 13. Hedging and Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company is directly and indirectly affected by changes in certain market conditions. These changes in market conditions may adversely impact the Company’s financial performance and are referred to as “market risks.” When deemed appropriate, the Company uses derivatives as a risk management tool to mitigate the potential impact of certain market risks. The primary market risks managed by the Company through the use of derivative instruments are foreign currency exchange rate risk and interest rate risk.

The Company uses various types of derivative instruments including, but not limited to, option contracts, collars and interest rate caps. An option contract is an agreement that conveys the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a quantity of a currency or commodity at a predetermined rate or price during a period or at a time in the future. A collar is a strategy that uses a combination of options to limit the range of possible positive or negative returns on an underlying asset or liability to a specific range, or to protect expected future cash flows. To do this, an investor simultaneously buys a put option and sells (writes) a call option, or alternatively buys a call option and sells (writes) a put option. An interest rate cap involves the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

All derivative instruments are carried at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, primarily in the following line items, as applicable: prepaid expenses and other current assets, other long-term assets and accrued expenses. The carrying values of the derivatives reflect the impact of netting agreements. These netting agreements allow the Company to net settle positive and negative positions (assets and liabilities) arising from different transactions with the same counterparty.

The accounting for gains and losses that result from changes in the fair values of derivative instruments depends on whether the derivatives have been designated and qualify as hedging instruments and the type of hedging relationships. Derivatives can be designated as fair value hedges, cash flow hedges or economic hedges. The interest rate cap derivative is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge. The foreign currency derivative instruments are considered an economic hedge as they do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.

 

The Company determines the fair values of its derivatives based on quoted market prices or pricing models using current market rates. The notional amounts of the derivative financial instruments do not necessarily represent amounts exchanged by the parties and, therefore, are not a direct measure of our exposure to the financial risks described above. The amounts exchanged are calculated by reference to the notional amounts and by other terms of the derivatives, such as interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates. The Company does not view the fair values of its derivatives in isolation but rather in relation to the fair values or cash flows of the underlying hedged transactions or other exposures. Virtually all our derivatives are straightforward over-the-counter instruments with liquid markets. See Note 12. Fair Value of Financial Instruments for additional information. 

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish these objectives, the Company primarily uses interest rate caps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium. During the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023, such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt.

For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Other Comprehensive Income and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same period(s) during which the hedged transaction

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affects earnings. Amounts reported in OCI related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate debt. Over the next 12 months, the Company estimates that an additional $0.9 million will be reclassified as a reduction to interest expense.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Company entered into a cash flow hedge to manage interest rate risk on its variable rate debt under the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility. As of April 1, 2023, the Company had one LIBOR interest rate cap agreement (the “LIBOR Cap Agreement”) with a total hedged notional amount of $240.0 million that was designated as a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk. The LIBOR Cap Agreement has a strike price of 4.00% and a maturity date of July 31, 2024. The LIBOR Cap Agreement is designated for cash flow hedge accounting with all changes in fair value deferred into accumulated OCI.

Within the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, the interest rate cap is recorded at fair value. The cash flows related to the interest rate caps are classified as operating activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Foreign Currency Hedge

During the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023, the Company entered into a foreign currency hedge to offset the earnings impact of foreign currency exchange rates through the end of fiscal 2023.

Economic (Non-Designated) Hedging Strategy

The Company uses certain derivatives as economic hedges of foreign currency. Although these derivatives did not qualify for hedge accounting, they are effective economic hedges. The Company uses foreign currency economic hedges to offset the earnings impact that fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates have on certain monetary assets and liabilities denominated in nonfunctional currencies outside of a contractually agreed upon foreign exchange rate range. The total notional values of derivatives related to our foreign currency economic hedges were $270.9 million and $145.7 million as of April 1, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

The changes in the fair values of economic hedges used to offset those monetary assets and liabilities are immediately recognized in earnings in the selling, general and administrative line item in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Within the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, the foreign currency economic hedges are recorded at fair value. The cash flows related to the foreign currency economic hedges are classified as operating activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

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Table of Contents

The following table presents the fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments: 

   

April 1, 2023

December 31, 2022

(In thousands)

Location

    

Derivative
Assets

    

Derivative
Liabilities

    

Derivative
Assets

    

Derivative
Liabilities

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under Subtopic 815-20

Foreign currency contracts(1)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

$

100

$

$

$

Foreign currency contracts(1)

Accrued expenses

33

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

$

100

$

$

$

33

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under Subtopic 815-20

Interest rate caps - short term

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

$

2,059

$

$

1,997

$

Interest rate caps - long term

Other long-term assets

856

1,631

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

$

2,915

$

$

3,628

$

Total derivatives

$

3,015

$

$

3,628

$

33

(1)Derivative instruments within this category are subject to master netting arrangements and are presented on a net basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with ASC 210, Balance Sheet, Subtopic 210-20. See tables below showing the effects of offsetting derivative assets and liabilities.

The following table presents the pre-tax effect of cash flow hedge accounting on accumulated OCI for the periods presented: 

(In thousands)

Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI

13 Weeks Ended

Derivatives in Subtopic 815-20 Hedging Relationships

    

April 1, 2023

    

March 26, 2022

Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships

Interest rate caps

$

(294)

$

(In thousands)

Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income

13 Weeks Ended

Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income

April 1, 2023

    

March 26, 2022

Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships

Interest expense, net

$

254

$

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The following table presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods presented: 

Gain (Loss) Recognized

13 Weeks Ended

April 1,

March 26,

(In thousands)

    

Statement of Operations Location

    

2023

    

2022

Total amounts of expense presented in the Statements of Operations in which the derivatives not designated as hedging are recorded

Selling, general and administrative

$ 43,414

$ 33,915

The effects of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under Subtopic 815-20:

Foreign currency contracts

Selling, general and administrative

100

Total amounts of expense presented in the Statements of Operations in which the derivatives designated as hedging are recorded

Interest expense, net

8,701

6,022

The effects of derivatives designated as hedging instruments under Subtopic 815-20:

Interest rate caps

Interest expense, net

254

The net amounts of derivative assets or liabilities in the tables below can be reconciled to the tabular disclosure of fair value which provides the location that derivative assets and liabilities are presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following tables present a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting, and a net presentation of the Company’s derivatives as of April 1, 2023 and December 31, 2022.  

Offsetting of Derivative Assets

As of April 1, 2023

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet

(In thousands)

    

Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets

    

Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet

    

Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet

Financial Instruments

    

Cash Collateral Posted

    

Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets

Derivatives

Foreign currency contracts

$

620

$

(520)

$

100

$

$

$

100

Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement

620

(520)

100

100

Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement

2,915

2,915

2,915

Total derivatives

$

3,535

$

(520)

$

3,015

$

$

$

3,015

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Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities

As of April 1, 2023

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet

(In thousands)

    

Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities

    

Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet

    

Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet

'    

Financial Instruments

    

Cash Collateral Posted

    

Net Amount

Derivatives

Foreign currency contracts

$

(520)

$

520

$

$

$

$

Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement

(520)

520

Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement

Total derivatives

$

(520)

$

520

$

-

$

$

$

-

Offsetting of Derivative Assets

As of December 31, 2022

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet

(In thousands)

    

Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets

    

Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet

    

Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet

    

Financial Instruments

    

Cash Collateral Posted

    

Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets

Derivatives

Foreign currency contracts

$

56

$

(56)

$

$

$

$

Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement

56

(56)

Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement

3,628

3,628

Total derivatives

$

3,684

$

(56)

$

$

$

$

3,628

Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities

As of December 31, 2022

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet

(In thousands)

    

Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities

    

Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet

    

Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet

    

Financial Instruments

    

Cash Collateral Posted

    

Net Amount

Derivatives

Foreign currency contracts

$

(89)

$

56

$

(33)

$

$

$

(33)

Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement

(89)

56

(33)

(33)

Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement

Total derivatives

$

(89)

$

56

$

(33)

$

$

$

(33)

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Graphic

Note 14. Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock

Prior to the IPO, the Company had a total of 74,058,447 shares issued and outstanding.

On September 27, 2021, the Company closed its IPO of 23,334,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, at an offering price of $12.00 per share, and received net proceeds from the IPO of approximately $263.2 million, net of $16.8 million in underwriting discounts and commissions.

Subsequent to the IPO, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional 3,500,100 shares of common stock. The Company closed its sale of such additional shares on October 5, 2021, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $39.5 million, net of $2.5 million in underwriting discounts and commissions.

On August 10, 2022, the Company completed a secondary offering, in which certain of its stockholders (the “Selling Stockholders”) sold 8,500,000 shares of common stock in an underwritten public offering at an offering price of $14.00 per share, with all proceeds going to the Selling Stockholders. Subsequent to the secondary offering, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional 1,275,000 shares of common stock, and the sale of such additional shares closed on August 22, 2022, with all proceeds going to the Selling Stockholders.

Preferred Stock

On September 23, 2021, the Company filed an amended and restated certificate of incorporation (“Amended and Restated Charter”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which was effective on September 23, 2021. As a result of the filing of the Amended and Restated Charter, the Company was authorized to issue 510,000,000 shares, divided into two classes as follows: (i) 500,000,000 shares are designated shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and (ii) 10,000,000 shares are designated shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. There were no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding as of April 1, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Graphic

Note 15. Equity-Based Compensation

2017 Equity Incentive Plan

In 2017, the Sovos Brands Limited Partnership (the “Limited Partnership”) 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (“2017 Plan”) was established providing certain employees and nonemployees of the Company equity-based compensation in the form of Incentive Units (“IUs”) of the Limited Partnership, as consideration for services to the Company. The IUs, were deemed to be equity instruments subject to expense recognition under FASB ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. The estimate of fair value of the IUs granted was determined as of the grant date.

In connection with the IPO, the Limited Partnership distributed its shares of Sovos Brands, Inc. common stock to its limited partners, including holders of IUs, in accordance with the applicable terms of its partnership agreement.

Holders of IUs received shares of common stock and restricted common stock of Sovos Brands, Inc. in respect of their IUs. The common stock was distributed with respect to vested IUs and the restricted common stock was distributed with respect to nonvested IUs, with the vesting of such restricted common stock tracking the same vesting terms as the related nonvested IUs at the time of distribution.

Restricted Common Stock

In connection with the IPO, a change in the vesting of the existing performance-based IUs and accordingly the related distributed restricted stock resulted in a modification to the grants and required the shares to be revalued as of the IPO

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date, resulting in a modified grant date fair value of approximately $13.0 million. The fair value of the performance-based restricted stock awards was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation option pricing model which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions, such as expected volatility, expected term and expected risk-free interest rate. Specifically, the model revalued the performance units based on the revised vesting condition of the 2.0x multiple of invested capital (“MOIC”) restricted stock units achieving the 2.0x MOIC based on a 30-day volume weighted average price with the remainder of the restricted stock units vesting upon the earlier of the Limited Partnership owning 25% or less of the Company or 30 months post-IPO. On November 3, 2021, the performance condition of the 2.0x MOIC restricted common stock was met and, accordingly, 683,442 shares of restricted stock with a performance-based vesting condition vested.

On November 4, 2021, the Company and the Limited Partnership modified a portion of the existing equity-based compensation awards dated September 22, 2021 among the Company, the Limited Partnership and the holders of such restricted stock. As a result of this modification, a portion of the shares that would have vested based upon a 4.0x MOIC (including any related linear interpolation, the “Original Vesting Criteria”) instead vest on the last day of fiscal 2022 or on the last day of fiscal 2023, or upon achievement of the Original Vesting Criteria, if earlier. The fair value of the modified performance-based restricted stock awards was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation option pricing model which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions, such as expected volatility, expected term and expected risk-free interest rate, resulting in an incremental modified grant date fair value of approximately $6.1 million.

On February 10, 2023, the Company and the Limited Partnership modified a portion of the existing equity-based compensation awards dated September 22, 2021 among the Company, Limited Partnership and the holders of such restricted stock. As a result of these modifications, a portion of the shares that would have vested based upon a 3.0 MOIC or a 4.0 MOIC (including any related linear interpolation, the “Original Vesting Criteria”) instead vest 50% on September 23, 2024 and 50% on September 23, 2025, or upon achievement of the Original Vesting Criteria, if earlier. The fair value of the modified performance-based restricted stock awards was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation option pricing model which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions, such as expected volatility, expected term and expected risk-free interest rate, resulting in an incremental modified grant date fair value of approximately $5.5 million.

As of April 1, 2023, 5,563 shares of restricted common stock resulting from the distribution of common stock with respect to nonvested time-based IUs vest upon fulfilling time-based service conditions and are scheduled to vest through 2024. As of April 1, 2023, there were 2,348,879 shares of restricted common stock resulting from the distribution with respect to nonvested performance-based IUs, of which 169,698 shares will vest on the earlier of December 30, 2023 or when the original performance condition is achieved, 509,210 shares will vest on the earlier of when the original performance condition is achieved or 50% on September 23, 2024 and 50% on September 23, 2025 and the remaining 1,669,971 shares will vest only if certain performance conditions, including exceeding various MOIC levels, are achieved. Shares of restricted common stock that do not vest are not cancelled but instead remain outstanding and are forfeited back to the Limited Partnership.

2021 Equity Incentive Plan

Effective September 21, 2021, the Company adopted the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”) which reserves 9,739,244 shares of common stock to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units or equity-based awards to eligible employees, consultants and directors.

Restricted Stock Units

During the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022, the Company granted 561,355 RSUs to certain employees. The RSUs included (i) 485,316 RSUs issued with each award vesting in two equal annual installments, and (ii) 76,039 RSUs issued to an employee vesting in three equal annual installments, all of which are subject in general to the employee’s continued service through the vesting date.

During the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023, the Company granted 418,136 RSUs to certain employees. The RSUs included (i) 323,172 RSUs issued to employees with each award vesting in two equal annual installments and (ii) 94,964

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RSUs issued to an employee vesting in three equal annual installments, all of which are subject in general to the employee’s continued service through the vesting date.

Performance-based Restricted Stock Units

In connection with the IPO and under the 2021 Plan, the Company granted 687,690 performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”) to certain employees with each award vesting subject in general to the achievement of the performance condition and subject in general to the employee’s continued service through the vesting date. The fair value of the PSUs was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation option pricing model, which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions, such as expected volatility, expected term and expected risk-free interest rate.

On February 10, 2023, the Company modified the IPO PSUs dated September 23, 2021. As a result of this modification, the shares that would have vested based upon the achievement of a performance condition that measures the Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) (the “Original Vesting Criteria”) instead vest 50% on September 23, 2024 and 50% on September 23, 2025, or upon achievement of the Original Vesting Criteria, if earlier. The fair value of the modified PSUs was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation option pricing model which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions, such as expected volatility, expected term and expected risk-free interest rate, resulting in an incremental modified grant date fair value of approximately $4.3 million.

During the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 and March 26, 2022, the Company granted 429,082 PSUs and 343,800 PSUs, respectively, to employees with each award vesting subject in general to the achievement of a performance condition that measures the TSR relative to the TSR of the constituents of a custom peer group (“relative TSR”). The number of shares that may be earned ranges from 0% to 200%, with 100% vesting upon achievement of target performance, with straight-line interpolation applied and subject in general to the employee’s continued service through the vesting date. The fair value of the PSUs granted during the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation option pricing model, which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions, such as expected volatility, expected term and expected risk-free interest rate.

As of April 1, 2023, there was an aggregate of 6,286,912 shares of common stock available for future equity awards under the 2021 Plan (treating PSUs that vest based on relative TSR at the 100% target level).

Equity-based Compensation Expense

The Company grants equity-based compensation awards to certain employees, officers and non-employee directors as long-term incentive compensation and recognizes the related expense for these awards ratably over the applicable vesting period. Such expense is recognized as a selling, general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The following table summarizes the equity-based compensation expense recognized for the Company’s equity plans:

    

Fiscal Year Ended

(In thousands)

April 1, 2023

March 26, 2022

Equity awards under the 2017 Plan (Pre-IPO)

    

  

    

  

RSAs

$

138

$

356

PSAs

 

1,607

 

1,561

Total equity-based compensation expense for the 2017 Plan

1,745

1,917

Equity awards under the 2021 Plan (Post-IPO)

RSUs

2,886

1,480

PSUs

877

690

Total equity-based compensation expense for the 2021 Plan

3,763

2,170

Total equity-based compensation expense

$

5,508

$

4,087

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The Company expects to record equity-based compensation expense of approximately $43.8 million through the first quarter of 2026 resulting from the issuance of the RSAs and PSAs under the 2017 Plan and RSUs and PSUs under the 2021 Plan.

Graphic

Note 16. Income Taxes

The income tax (expense) and the effective tax rate resulting from operations were as follows:

13 Weeks Ended

 

(In thousands)

April 1, 2023

March 26, 2022

 

Income before income taxes

    

$

12,717

    

$

6,768

Effective income tax (expense)

$

(4,871)

$

(2,711)

Effective tax rate

 

38.3

%  

 

40.0

%

The effective tax rates for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 and March 26, 2022 differ from the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21% primarily due to changes in earnings, permanent items including limitation on the deduction of executive compensation for public companies and nondeductible equity-based compensation, state taxes and various discrete items.

Graphic

Note 17. Related Party Transactions

The Company has two related party leases for a manufacturing facility and land. The facility and land are leased from Morning Fresh Dairy (“Morning Fresh”), a related party entity owned and controlled by a board member and equity holder of the Company. The facility lease and land lease are classified as a finance lease and operating lease, respectively, based on the original lease term and reasonably certain renewal options. As of April 1, 2023, the facility has a lease liability balance of $6.8 million which is primarily recognized as long-term debt in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of April 1, 2023, the land lease has a liability balance of $0.5 million which is primarily recognized as long-term operating lease liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The facility and land lease contained total payments of approximately $145 thousand and $142 thousand for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 and March 26, 2022, respectively. In addition, $45 thousand and $46 thousand was paid for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 and March 26, 2022, respectively, for a proportionate share of utilities, taxes and insurance.

Morning Fresh regularly purchases finished goods inventory from the Company for sale to its customers. Additionally, Morning Fresh regularly supplies milk used in the Company’s manufacturing process.

Sales to and purchases from Morning Fresh were as follows:

13 Weeks Ended

(In thousands)

April 1, 2023

March 26, 2022

Sales

$

113

$

117

Purchases

$

1,920

$

1,970

Amounts outstanding in respect to Morning Fresh transactions were as follows:

(In thousands)

    

April 1, 2023

    

December 31, 2022

Receivables

$

21

$

29

Payables

$

$

870

The Company has a milk supply agreement with Morning Fresh (“Milk Supply Agreement”) for a base term ending December 31, 2027, with the option available for extension for a total of fifteen additional 2-year periods to December 31, 2057. Four years’ advance written notice is required to terminate the agreement. Milk will be priced on a month-to-month basis by USDA Central Federal Order No. 32 for Class II milk, plus surcharges and premiums, provided that the final price

26

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of the milk shall be 23.24 cents per hundred weight less than the published Dairy Farmers of America bill for that month. The Company will accept up to 3,650,000 gallons as determined by Morning Fresh in 2020, and for each year of the term thereafter. As of April 1, 2023, the Company has future commitments to purchase approximately $37.8 million of milk from Morning Fresh, approximated at current market price. In addition, under the Milk Supply Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay an additional $33 thousand monthly through December 31, 2027 to cover the landowner’s incremental costs relating to capital improvements necessary to support increased milk production required by the Company over the term of this agreement. If the agreement is terminated before December 1, 2027, the Company will be required to pay an early termination penalty, which declines from $3.0 million at the inception of the agreement to $0 over the ten-year term, based on an amortization table outlined in the agreement.

As of April 1, 2023, the estimated annual minimum purchase commitments with Morning Fresh are as follows:

Fiscal Year Ending

    

(In thousands)

Remainder of 2023

$

6,228

2024

8,375

2025

8,375

2026

8,375

2027

8,375

Thereafter

Total

$

39,728

Advent International Corporation (“Advent”) is a private equity firm which has invested funds in our common stock. Although no individual fund owns a controlling interest in us, together the funds represent our current majority owners.

Advent and its affiliates have ownership interests in a broad range of companies. We have entered and may in the future enter into commercial transactions in the ordinary course of our business with some of these companies, including the sale of goods and services and the purchase of goods and services.

The Company pays legal expenses and tax compliance fees on behalf of the Limited Partnership and carries a balance within other long-term assets that reflects the amount due from the Limited Partnership. As of April 1, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the receivable balance was $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

Graphic

Note 18. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income for the period by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period without consideration of potential common shares. Diluted EPS is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding including the dilutive effect of equity awards as determined under the treasury stock method. In periods when the Company has a net loss, equity awards are excluded from

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the calculation of diluted EPS as their inclusion would have an anti-dilutive effect. The following table presents the computation of EPS for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 and March 26, 2022.

13 Weeks Ended

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

    

April 1, 2023

    

March 26, 2022

Net income

$

7,846

$

4,057

 

 

  

Weighted average basic common shares outstanding

 

101,186,223

100,892,547

Effect of dilutive securities:

Restricted stock units

 

190,602

 

369,556

Performance stock units

 

130,871

Total

321,473

369,556

Weighted average and potential dilutive common shares outstanding

101,507,696

101,262,103

Earnings per share

Basic

$

0.08

$

0.04

Diluted

$

0.08

$

0.04

For the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023, 429,082 PSUs were outstanding, but were excluded in the computation of diluted EPS because these PSUs were considered to be anti-dilutive based on the result of the treasury stock method calculation for incremental shares. For the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022, there were no anti-dilutive shares excluded from the computation of diluted EPS.

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Graphic

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”) contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words, such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects” and similar references to future periods, or by the inclusion of forecasts or projections. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding the outlook for our future business and financial performance, such as those contained in this section.

Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, by their nature, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. As a result, our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions and the following:

adverse consequences of the actions of the major retailers, wholesalers, distributors and mass merchants on which we rely, including if they give higher priority to other brands or products, take steps to maintain or improve their margins by, among other things, raising the on-shelf prices of our products or imposing surcharges on us, or if they perform poorly or declare bankruptcy;
our dependence on third-party distributors and third-party co-packers, including one co-packer for the substantial majority of our Rao’s Homemade sauce products;
inflation, including our vulnerability to decreases in the supply of and increases in the price of raw materials, packaging, fuel, labor, manufacturing, distribution and other costs, and our inability to offset increasing costs through cost savings initiatives or pricing;
supply disruptions, including increased costs and potential adverse impacts on distribution and consumption;
our inability to expand household penetration and successfully market our products;
competition in the packaged food industry and our product categories;
consolidation within the retail environment may allow our customers to demand lower pricing, increased promotional programs and increased deductions and allowances, among other items;
our inability to successfully introduce new products or failure of recently launched products to meet expectations or remain on-shelf;
our inability to accurately forecast pricing elasticities and the resulting impact on volume growth and/or distribution gains;
failure by us or third-party co-packers or suppliers of raw materials to comply with labeling, food safety, environmental or other laws or regulations, or new laws or regulations;
our vulnerability to the impact of severe weather conditions, natural disasters and other natural events such as herd, flock and crop diseases on our manufacturing facilities, co-packers or raw material suppliers;
our inability to effectively manage our growth;
geopolitical tensions, including relating to Ukraine;
the COVID-19 pandemic and associated effects;
our inability to maintain our workforce;
our inability to identify, consummate or integrate new acquisitions or realize the projected benefits of acquisitions;
erosion of the reputation of one or more of our brands;
our inability to protect ourselves from cyberattacks;
failure to protect, or litigation involving, our tradenames or trademarks and other rights;
fluctuations in currency exchange rates could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows;
our ability to effectively manage interest rate risk, including through the use of hedges and other strategies or financial products;
the effects of climate change and adherence to environmental, social and governance demands;
a change in assumptions used to value our goodwill or our intangible assets, or the impairment of our goodwill or intangible assets;

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our level of indebtedness under our First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined herein), which as of April 1, 2023 was $480.8 million, and our duty to comply with covenants under our First Lien Credit Agreement;
the interests of our majority stockholder may differ from those of public stockholders.

See Part I. Item IA. “Risk Factors” in our 2022 Form 10-K for a further description of these and other factors. For the reasons described above, we caution you against relying on any forward-looking statements, which should also be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included elsewhere in this report. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this report speaks only as of the date on which we make it. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Unless the context otherwise requires, “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer to Sovos Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in December of each year and as a result, a 53rd week is added approximately every sixth year. Our fiscal year ended December 25, 2021 (“fiscal 2021”) had 52 weeks. Our fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (“fiscal 2022”) had 53 weeks. Our fiscal year ending December 30, 2023 (“fiscal 2023”) will have 52 weeks. Our fiscal quarters are comprised of 13 weeks each, ending on the 13th Saturday of each quarter, except for the 53-week fiscal years for which the fourth quarter is comprised of 14 weeks, ending on the 14th Saturday of such fourth quarter. The information for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 and March 26, 2022 are derived from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

Overview

We are one of the fastest growing food companies of scale in the United States over the past two years, focused on growth of disruptive growth brands that bring today’s consumers great tasting food that fits the way they live. Our current brands, Rao’s, Michael Angelo’s and noosa are built with authenticity at their core, providing consumers food experiences that are genuine, delicious and unforgettable. Our premium products are made with simple, high-quality ingredients. We are focused on continuing to build an organization with the capabilities to acquire, integrate, and grow brands. We strive to empower our teams to lead with courage and tenacity, with the goal of providing them with the confidence and agility to connect with our consumers and retail partners to drive unparalleled growth. We believe our focus on “one-of-a-kind” brands and products that people love and our passion for our people make Sovos Brands a “one-of-a-kind” company and enables us to deliver on our objective of creating a growing and sustainable food enterprise yielding financial growth ahead of industry peers.

In September 2021, we completed our initial public offering (the “IPO”) and became actively traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”) listed under the trade symbol of “SOVO.”

On December 30, 2022, we completed our divestiture of Birch Benders which included the sale of the brand and certain related assets to Hometown Food Company, a portfolio company controlled by Brynwood Partners VIII L.P.

Emerging Growth Status

As a company with less than $1.235 billion in gross revenue during our last fiscal year, we qualify as an emerging growth company as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the JOBS Act). An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other regulatory requirements for up to five years that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include, among other matters:

exemption from the auditor attestation requirement on the effectiveness of our system of internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;
exemption from the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards until they would apply to private companies;

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exemption from compliance with any new requirements adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and the financial statements of the issuer;
an exemption from the requirement to seek non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation and golden parachute arrangements; and
reduced disclosure about executive compensation arrangements.

We will remain an emerging growth company until the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of our common stock pursuant to an effective registration statement, which was September 22, 2021, unless, prior to that time, (i) we have more than $1.235 billion in annual gross revenue, (ii) have a market value for our common stock held by non-affiliates of more than $700 million as of the last day of our second fiscal quarter of the fiscal year and a determination is made that we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer,” as defined in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or (iii) issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period, whether or not issued in a registered offering. We have availed ourselves of the reduced reporting obligations with respect to audited financial statements and related “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and executive compensation disclosure and expect to continue to avail ourselves of the reduced reporting obligations available to emerging growth companies in future filings.

In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for complying with new or revised accounting standards. An emerging growth company can, therefore, delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies.

Market Trends

We continue to actively monitor the macroeconomic inflationary environment and the ongoing impacts to the global economy, including market disruptions, supply chain challenges and elevated costs, and the level of consumer mobility, which includes the rate at which consumers return to working outside the home. Consistent with the consumer-packaged food industry, we are seeing certain cost increases across ingredients, packaging materials and labor, putting pressure on our profit margins, while other costs are flat or lower than the prior year. Specific cost increases for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 include, but are not limited to, glass, cardboard and fruit while other costs such as milk and resin have decreased from the comparable period in fiscal 2022. In addition, the year over year cost of distribution for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 has remained relatively flat, while in first half of fiscal 2022 ongoing logistical issues at major ports, intermodal and trucking delays and capacity constraints for ocean freight cargo resulted in increased distribution costs. In fiscal 2023, labor-related disruptions, including labor shortages and absenteeism, have been less challenging within our operations and among our third-party logistics and other business partners, compared to the prior year where we experienced elevated downtime in our plants, but remain challenging when compared to pre-pandemic levels.

During the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023, we experienced decreased cost of sales, as a percentage of net sales, driven by price increases in recent quarters across all products, changes in product mix, as well as productivity savings, all of which were partially offset by higher inflationary costs described above. We have recently announced inflation-justified list price increases to our customers, including for yogurt and frozen entrees that were implemented in February 2023.We also continue to execute various productivity and cost savings initiatives within our manufacturing and logistics network, including further automation of our own production facilities, optimization of our co-manufacturing network, product and packaging value engineering, competitive procurement actions, and optimization of our logistics network.  We continue to proactively manage cost inflation risk through forward purchase agreements, where possible, as well as through leveraging our scale and enhancing our relationships with our third-party manufacturing partners to lower the all-in costs to manufacture our products.  Collectively, we expect the pricing actions, productivity initiatives and value engineering that we have implemented to date to mitigate the ongoing increases in costs.

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We expect year-over-year inflationary pressures to continue through the remainder of fiscal 2023, and that they will be relatively consistent throughout the full fiscal year 2023. As a result, we have and will continue to closely monitor our pricing.

Based on the information available to us as of the date of this Report, we believe that we will be able to deliver products at acceptable levels to fulfill customer orders on a timely basis. Therefore, we expect our products will continue to be available for purchase to meet consumer needs. We will continue to monitor customer and consumer demand along with our supply chain and logistics capabilities and intend to adapt our plans as needed to continue to drive our business and meet our obligations.

Key Performance Indicators

We regularly review a number of metrics to evaluate our business, measure our progress and make strategic decisions. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income, and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income (the “non-GAAP financial measures”), which are non-GAAP financial measures, are currently utilized by management and may be used by our competitors to assess performance. We believe these measures assist our investors in gaining a meaningful understanding of our performance. Because not all companies use identical calculations, our presentation of these measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for definitions and a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, gross profit to adjusted gross profit, total operating expenses to adjusted operating expenses, operating income to adjusted operating income, reported income tax (expense) to adjusted income tax expense, reported effective tax rate to adjusted effective tax rate, net income to adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share to diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income.

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Results of Operations

The discussion that follows includes a comparison of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 and March 26, 2022.

Comparison of Unaudited Results for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 and March 26, 2022

The following unaudited table presents, for the periods indicated, selected information from our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, including information presented as a percentage of net sales:

13 Weeks Ended

13 Weeks Ended

Increase / (Decrease)

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

April 1, 2023

% of Net Sales

March 26, 2022

% of Net Sales

$ Change

% Change

 

 

Net sales

$

252,791

    

100.0

%  

$

209,933

    

100.0

%  

$

42,858

    

20.4

%  

Cost of sales

 

181,979

 

72.0

%  

 

156,025

 

74.3

%  

 

25,954

 

16.6

%  

Gross profit

 

70,812

 

28.0

%  

 

53,908

 

25.7

%  

 

16,904

 

31.4

%  

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

Selling, general and administrative

 

43,414

 

17.2

%  

 

33,915

 

16.2

%  

 

9,499

 

28.0

%  

Depreciation and amortization

 

5,980

 

2.4

%  

 

7,203

 

3.4

%  

 

(1,223)

 

(17.0)

%  

Total operating expenses

 

49,394

 

19.6

%  

 

41,118

 

19.6

%  

 

8,276

 

20.1

%  

Operating income

 

21,418

 

8.4

%  

 

12,790

 

6.1

%  

 

8,628

 

67.5

%  

Interest expense, net

 

8,701

 

3.4

%  

 

6,022

 

2.9

%  

 

2,679

 

44.5

%  

Income before income taxes

 

12,717

 

5.0

%  

 

6,768

 

3.2

%  

 

5,949

 

87.9

%  

Income tax (expense)

 

(4,871)

 

(1.9)

%  

 

(2,711)

 

(1.3)

%  

 

(2,160)

 

79.7

%  

Net income

$

7,846

 

3.1

%  

$

4,057

 

1.9

%  

$

3,789

 

93.4

%  

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.08

$

0.04

$

0.04

100.0

%  

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

101,507,696

101,262,103

245,593

0.2

%  

Other financial data: (1)

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

EBITDA

$

29,887

 

11.8

%  

$

22,345

 

10.6

%  

$

7,542

 

33.8

%  

Adjusted EBITDA

$

35,955

 

14.2

%  

$

27,621

 

13.2

%  

$

8,334

 

30.2

%  

Adjusted gross profit

$

71,090

28.1

%  

$

54,500

26.0

%  

$

16,590

30.4

%  

Adjusted operating expenses(2)

$

37,998

15.0

%  

$

29,625

14.1

%  

$

8,373

28.3

%  

Adjusted operating income

$

33,092

13.1

%  

$

24,875

11.8

%  

$

8,217

33.0

%  

Adjusted income tax (expense)

$

(6,269)

(2.5)

%  

$

(5,071)

(2.4)

%  

$

(1,198)

23.6

%  

Adjusted net income

$

18,122

7.2

%  

$

13,782

6.6

%  

$

4,340

 

31.5

%  

Diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income

$

0.18

$

0.14

$

0.04

28.6

%  

(1)Other financial data includes non-GAAP financial metrics. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for definitions and a reconciliation of our net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, net income to adjusted net income, total operating expenses to adjusted operating expenses, reported income tax (expense) to adjusted income tax (expense) and reported effective tax rate to adjusted effective tax rate.
(2)The adjusted operating expenses for the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022 include a non-GAAP reconciling item of $6.8 million for acquisition amortization, previously only reported as a non-GAAP reconciling item to adjusted net income.

Net Sales

Net sales consist primarily of product sales to our customers less cost of trade promotions such as consumer incentives, coupon redemptions, other in-store merchandising activities and allowances for unsalable product.

Net sales of $252.8 million represented an increase of $42.9 million, or 20.4%, for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023, as compared to the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022. The increase was driven by 15.6% volume growth and 11.1% price and mix of our Rao’s, noosa and Michael Angelo’s brands combined. These increases were partially offset by a 6.3% decrease in net sales for Birch Benders due to the divestiture of the brand and certain related assets on December 30, 2022. Net sales growth from a brand perspective was led by Rao’s up 37.7% as a result of higher sales across the entire brand, most notably sauce. Additionally, noosa grew 8.2% while Michael Angelo’s declined 5.6%.

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Cost of Sales

Cost of sales represents costs directly related to the manufacturing and distribution of products. Such costs include raw materials, labor and overhead required to produce the products, co-manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, shipping and handling, third-party distribution, and depreciation of equipment and leasehold improvements. We manufacture our products in our Austin, Texas and Bellvue, Colorado manufacturing locations. We also use third-party contract manufacturers in the United States, Canada and the European Union. We procure selected elements of raw materials and packaging and receive finished goods. We incur tolling charges related to our contract manufacturing arrangements.

Cost of sales of $182.0 million represented an increase of $26.0 million, or 16.6%, for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 as compared to the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to volume growth, increased costs associated with third party manufacturing, as well as costs for ingredients and packaging materials predominantly related to tomatoes, fruit and cartons. These increases were partially offset by productivity savings, mostly within our manufacturing network.

Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales decreased from 74.3% for the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022, to 72.0% for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023. The decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was driven by the contribution to net sales from higher pricing and mix, as well as productivity savings, all of which were partially offset by higher inflationary costs as described above.

Gross Profit

Gross profit of $70.8 million represented an increase of $16.9 million, or 31.4%, for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023, as compared to the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales, or gross margin, increased from 25.7% for the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022 to 28.0% for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023, and was a result of the items discussed above.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses of $49.4 million represented an increase of $8.3 million, or 20.1%, for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 compared to the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022 due to the following:

Selling, General and Administrative expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses include sales and marketing costs and general and administrative expenses, including expenses for employee salaries and benefits. Selling and marketing costs also include advertising and marketing costs, broker commissions and research and development expenses. General and administrative expenses are also comprised of expenses associated with our corporate and administrative functions that support our business, including equity-based compensation expense, professional services, including legal, audit and tax compliance fees and third-party consultancy fees, insurance and other corporate expenses.

Selling, general and administrative expenses of $43.4 million represented an increase of $9.5 million, or 28.0%, for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 compared to the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022. The increase was primarily driven by: (a) increased employee-related expenses of $5.0 million, primarily due to increased headcount, higher incentive compensation accruals and increased meeting and travel-related expenses; (b) increased spending to support marketing, research and development and selling expenses, including professional fees, of $3.0 million; and (c) higher equity-based compensation expense of $1.4 million.

The higher selling, marketing, and research and development expenses are primarily due to our increased investment in our marketing and product development activities to support our key sauce and yoghurt products, including new and recent product launches, of our Michael Angelos sauce and Raos frozen pizza, as well as increased selling costs driven by the increase in sales volumes. The increase in equity-based compensation expense is due to recognizing expense for new equity awards and equity modifications made during the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023.

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Depreciation and Amortization expenses: Depreciation and amortization expense consists of the depreciation of non-production property and equipment, including leasehold improvements, equipment, capitalized leases and the amortization of customer relationships and finite-lived trademarks.

Depreciation and amortization expenses of $6.0 million represented a decrease of $1.2 million, or 17.0%, for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023, compared to the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022. The decrease was primarily related to a reduction in amortization expense for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 due to the sale of the Birch Benders intangible assets in conjunction with the divestiture in December 2022.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net primarily consists of interest and fees on our Credit Facilities (as defined herein) and amortization of deferred financing costs, offset by investment income. We have incurred, and may incur additional, indebtedness to fund acquisitions, and we may choose to prepay on our Credit Facilities to reduce indebtedness.

Interest expense, net of $8.7 million represented an increase of $2.7 million, or 44.5%, for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 compared to the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022. The increase in interest expense is primarily due to an increase in variable interest rates on our Credit Facilities. The weighted average rate for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 was 8.28% compared to a weighted average rate of 4.25% for the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022.  Interest expense was offset by higher realized investment interest income in the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023, due to a higher cash balance available to invest, along with higher interest rates on investments.

Income Tax (Expense)

Income tax (expense) consists of federal and various state taxes. Income tax (expense) of $4.9 million represented an increase of $2.2 million for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 compared to the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022. The increase was primarily driven by higher taxable net income before income taxes, permanent items including executive compensation limitation and higher state taxes.

Net Income

Net income for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023was $7.8 million compared to net income of $4.1 million for the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022. The increase in net income was attributable to the items described above.

Other Financial Data

See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for discussions of:

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of our net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA;
adjusted gross profit and a reconciliation of our gross profit to adjusted gross profit;
adjusted operating expenses and a reconciliation of our total operating expenses to adjusted operating expenses;
adjusted operating income and a reconciliation of our total operating income to adjusted operating income;
adjusted income tax (expense) and a reconciliation of our reported income tax (expense) to adjusted income tax (expense);
adjusted effective tax rate and a reconciliation of reported effective tax rates to adjusted effective tax rate;
adjusted net income and a reconciliation of our net income to adjusted net income and;
diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income and a reconciliation of our net income and the associated diluted loss per share to adjusted net income and the associated diluted earnings per share.

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP. To supplement this information, we also use EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income, and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income, non-GAAP financial measures, in this report. We define EBITDA as net income (loss) before net interest expense, income tax (expense) benefit, depreciation and amortization. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA adjusted for non-cash equity-based compensation costs, non-recurring costs, gain (loss) on foreign currency contracts, supply chain optimization costs, impairment of goodwill, transaction and integration costs and IPO readiness costs. EBITDA margin is determined by calculating the percentage EBITDA is of net sales. Adjusted EBITDA margin is determined by calculating the percentage Adjusted EBITDA is of net sales. Adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense) and adjusted effective tax rate, and adjusted net income consists of gross profit, total operating expenses, operating income (loss), reported income tax (expense) benefit, reported effective tax rate, and net income (loss) before non-cash equity-based compensation costs, non-recurring costs, gain (loss) on foreign currency contracts, supply chain optimization costs, impairment of goodwill, transaction and integration costs, IPO readiness costs, acquisition amortization and tax-related adjustments that we do not consider in our evaluation of our ongoing operating performance from period to period as discussed further below. Diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income is determined by dividing adjusted net income by the weighted average diluted shares outstanding. Non-GAAP financial measures are included in this report because they are key metrics used by management to assess our operating performance. Management believes that non-GAAP financial measures are helpful in highlighting performance trends because non-GAAP financial measures eliminate non-recurring and unusual items and non-cash expenses, which we do not consider indicative of ongoing operational performance. Our presentation of non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed to imply that our future results will be unaffected by these items. By providing these non-GAAP financial measures, management believes we are enhancing investors’ understanding of our business and our results of operations, as well as assisting investors in evaluating how well we are executing our strategic initiatives.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income are not defined under GAAP. Our use of the terms EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies in our industry and are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. Our presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is intended to provide supplemental measures of our performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to operating income (loss), net income (loss), earnings (loss) per share, net sales or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP, or as measures of operating cash flows or liquidity.

Non-GAAP financial measures have important limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect any charges for the assets being depreciated and amortized that may need to be replaced in the future;
Adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate and adjusted net income do not reflect any charges for acquisition amortization;
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect the significant interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or, if any, principal payments on our debt;
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect our income tax (expense) benefit or the cash requirements to pay our income taxes;

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Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income do not reflect the impact of non-cash equity-based compensation upon our results of operations;
Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income do not include certain expenses that are non-recurring, infrequent and unusual in nature, costs related to loss on extinguishment of debt, professional fees related to organizational optimization, costs for capital markets-related activities and enterprise resource planning (ERP) conversion costs related to integrating acquisitions;
Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income do not reflect the impact of unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency contracts;
Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income do not reflect the impact of supply chain initiatives associated with packaging optimization and a strategic initiative to move co-packaging production from an international supplier to a domestic supplier;
Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income do not reflect the impact of impairments of goodwill;
Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income do not reflect the impact of transaction and integration costs associated with acquisitions and divestitures and costs associated with potential or uncompleted transactions; and
Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income do not reflect costs associated with public company readiness and other professional fees associated with building the organizational infrastructure to support a public company environment.

In the future we may incur expenses similar to those eliminated in this presentation of non-GAAP financial measures.

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The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income, their most directly comparable GAAP measure, for each of the periods presented:

13 Weeks Ended

(In thousands)

    

April 1, 2023

% of Net sales

    

March 26, 2022

% of Net sales

Net income(1)

$

7,846

3.1

%

$

4,057

1.9

%

Interest expense, net

8,701

3.4

6,022

2.9

Income tax (expense)

(4,871)

(1.9)

(2,711)

(1.3)

Depreciation and amortization

8,469

3.4

9,555

4.6

EBITDA(1)

29,887

11.8

22,345

10.6

Non-cash equity-based compensation(2)

5,508

2.2

4,087

1.9

Non-recurring costs(3)

227

0.1

377

0.2

Gain on foreign currency contracts(4)

(133)

(0.1)

0.0

Supply chain optimization(5)

128

0.1

592

0.3

Transaction and integration costs(6)

338

0.1

0.0

Initial public offering readiness(7)

0.0

220

0.1

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

$

35,955

14.2

%

$

27,621

13.2

%

(1)Net income as a percentage of net sales is also referred to as net income margin. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales are also referred to as EBITDA margin and Adjusted EBITDA margin.
(2)Consists of non-cash equity-based compensation expense associated with the grant of equity-based compensation provided to officers, directors and employees.
(3)Consists of costs for professional fees related to organizational optimization and capital markets activities.
(4)Consists of unrealized gain on foreign currency contracts.
(5)Consists of write-downs associated with packaging optimization and a strategic initiative to move co-packaging production from an international supplier to a domestic supplier.
(6)Consists of costs associated with the divestiture of the Birch Benders brand and certain related assets, and costs associated with a potential transaction.
(7)Consists of costs associated with building the organizational infrastructure to support a public company environment.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted interest expense, net, adjusted income tax (expense) and adjusted net income to their most directly comparable GAAP measure, for each of the periods presented:

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13 Weeks Ended

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

April 1, 2023

  

Gross profit

  

Operating expenses

  

Operating income

  

Interest expense, net

  

Income tax (expense)

  

Net income

  

As reported (GAAP)

$

70,812

$

49,394

$

21,418

$

8,701

$

(4,871)

$

7,846

Adjustments:

Non-cash equity-based compensation(1)

 

(5,508)

5,508

 

5,508

Non-recurring costs(2)

 

(227)

227

 

227

Gain on foreign currency contracts(3)

133

(133)

(133)

Supply chain optimization(4)

 

128

128

 

128

Transaction and integration costs(5)

 

150

(188)

338

 

338

Acquisition amortization(7)

(5,606)

5,606

5,606

Tax effect of adjustments(8)

 

(1,377)

 

(1,377)

One-time tax (expense) items(9)

(21)

(21)

As adjusted

$

71,090

$

37,998

$

33,092

$

8,701

$

(6,269)

$

18,122

As adjusted (% of net sales)

28.1

%  

15.0

%  

13.1

%  

 

3.4

%  

(2.5)

%  

 

7.2

%  

Earnings per share:

Diluted

 

0.08

Adjusted diluted

 

0.18

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Diluted for net income

101,507,696

Diluted for adjusted net income

101,507,696

13 Weeks Ended

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

March 26, 2022

  

Gross profit

  

Operating expenses

  

Operating income

  

Interest expense, net

  

Income tax (expense)

  

Net income

  

As reported (GAAP)

$

53,908

$

41,118

$

12,790

$

6,022

$

(2,711)

$

4,057

Adjustments:

Non-cash equity-based compensation(1)

 

(4,087)

4,087

 

4,087

Non-recurring costs(2)

 

(377)

377

 

377

Supply chain optimization(4)

 

592

592

 

592

Initial public offering readiness(6)

 

(220)

220

 

220

Acquisition amortization(7)

(6,809)

6,809

6,809

Tax effect of adjustments(8)

 

-

(2,360)

 

(2,360)

As adjusted

$

54,500

$

29,625

$

24,875

$

6,022

$

(5,071)

$

13,782

As adjusted (% of net sales)

26.0

%  

14.1

%  

11.8

%  

 

2.9

%  

(2.4)

%  

 

6.6

%  

Earnings per share:

Diluted

 

0.04

Adjusted diluted

 

0.14

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Diluted for net income

101,262,103

Diluted for adjusted net income

101,262,103

(1)Consists of non-cash equity-based compensation expense associated with the grant of equity-based compensation provided to officers, directors and employees.
(2)Consists of costs for professional fees related to organizational optimization and capital markets activities.
(3)Consists of unrealized gain on foreign currency contracts.
(4)Consists of write-downs associated with packaging optimization and a strategic initiative to move co-packaging production from an international supplier to a domestic supplier.

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(5)Consists of costs associated with the divestiture of the Birch Benders brand and certain related assets and costs associated with a potential transaction.
(6)Consists of costs associated with building the organizational infrastructure to support a public company environment.
(7)Amortization costs associated with acquired trade names and customer lists.
(8)Tax effect was calculated using the Company's adjusted annual effective tax rate.
(9) Represents the removal of the tax effect of impairment of goodwill, removal for remeasurement of deferred taxes related to intangibles for changes in deferred rate, the removal of the tax effect of non-deductible transaction costs and the removal of the excess tax benefits related to equity-based compensation vesting.

We adjust the GAAP financial measures for reported income tax (expense) and reported effective tax rate to exclude the effect of non-cash equity-based compensation costs, other non-recurring costs, loss on foreign currency contracts, supply chain optimization costs, impairment of goodwill, transaction and integration costs, IPO readiness costs, and acquisition amortization impacting comparability. We excluded the items which we believe may obscure trends in our pre-tax income and the related tax effect of those items on our adjusted effective tax rate and other impacts to tax expense. This non-GAAP financial measure is intended to provide a meaningful comparison of the Company’s effective tax rate, excluding the pre-tax income and tax effect of the items noted above, for the periods presented. Management uses this non-GAAP financial measure to monitor the effectiveness of adjustments on our tax rate.

The following table provides reconciliations of reported income tax (expense) to adjusted income tax (expense) and reported effective tax rate to adjusted effective tax rate for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 and March 26, 2022:

13 Weeks Ended

(In thousands)

April 1, 2023

March 26, 2022

    

Reported income tax (expense)

$

(4,871)

$

(2,711)

Non-recurring costs

(55)

Supply chain optimization

(31)

Transaction and integration costs

(416)

Initial public offering readiness

(349)

Acquisition amortization

(1,312)

(1,595)

Adjusted income tax (expense)(1)

$

(6,269)

$

(5,071)

Reported effective tax rate

38.3

%

40.0

%

Non-recurring costs

(0.5)

Supply chain optimization

(0.3)

Transaction and integration costs

(2.3)

Initial public offering readiness

(1.9)

Acquisition amortization

(11.8)

(8.9)

Adjusted effective tax rate(1)

25.7

%

26.9

%

(1)The adjustments to reported income tax (expense) and reported effective tax rate represent the tax effect of the reconciling items included in the reconciliation tables above for adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted interest expense, net, adjusted income tax (expense) and adjusted net income to their most directly comparable GAAP measure. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for definitions of our reported income tax (expense) to adjusted income tax (expense) and reported effective tax rate to adjusted effective tax rate.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity include cash flow from operations, cash and cash equivalents and credit capacity under our Credit Facilities. As of April 1, 2023, we had cash and equivalents of $153.6 million and availability under our Credit Facilities of $125.0 million.

We expect to use cash primarily for working capital, capital expenditures, purchase commitments, lease obligations, interest payments on our debt and potential acquisitions. We estimate that our capital expenditures will be approximately $13 million to $15 million in fiscal 2023, which we plan to fund with cash generated from our operating activities. The principal balance on our Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility was $480.8 million as of April 1, 2023, with no obligation to pay principal payments over the remaining term. At a minimum, we are required to make quarterly interest payments

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and estimate our interest payments to be approximately $38 million to $40 million over the next 12 months. Our total lease obligations were $23.6 million as of April 1, 2023, with $3.5 million due over the next 12 months. We have purchase commitments of approximately $3.5 million and $8.4 million to third-party and related-party manufacturers and suppliers, respectively, over the next 12 months, primarily for materials and supplies used in the manufacture of our products.

We also have long-term cash requirements related to our purchase commitments, lease obligations and principal payments on our debt. See Note 9. Long-Term Debt, Note 10. Leases, Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies and Note 17. Related Party Transactions for additional discussion related to the expected timing and amount of payments related to our contractual obligations.

We believe that our cash flow from operations, availability under our Revolving Facility (as defined herein) and available cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs for at least the next 12 months. We anticipate that to the extent that we require additional liquidity, it will be funded through the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the issuance of equity, or a combination thereof. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain this additional liquidity on reasonable terms, or at all. Additionally, our liquidity and our ability to meet our obligations and fund our capital requirements are also dependent on our future financial performance, which is subject to general economic, financial and other factors that are beyond our control. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available from additional indebtedness or otherwise to meet our liquidity needs. We may incur additional debt or sell additional equity to finance future acquisitions, which would result in additional expenses or dilution.

Credit Facilities and Unused Borrowing Capacity

In June 2021, Sovos Intermediate (the “Borrower”) entered into (i) the First Lien Credit Agreement, pursuant to which the First Lien Lenders agreed to provide senior secured credit facilities, consisting of (a) an initial first lien term loan facility in an original principal amount of $580.0 million (the “Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility” and the loans thereunder, the “Initial First Lien Term Loans”) and (b) a revolving facility in an original principal amount of $125.0 million (the “Revolving Facility” and the loans thereunder, the “Initial Revolving Loans”), including a letter of credit facility with a $45.0 million sublimit (the Initial First Lien Term Loans and the Initial Revolving Loans, collectively, the “Credit Facilities”).

In 2021, we prepaid $99.2 million of the outstanding principal balance under the Initial First Lien Term Loans. As a result of the prepayment on the Initial First Lien Term Loans, all future principal payments have been eliminated for the remaining term of the loan.

The interest rate for the Initial First Lien Term Loans and the Initial Revolving Loans is (at the Borrower's option) either (a) LIBO Rate (as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement) plus the applicable LIBO Rate spread or (b) Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement) plus the applicable Alternate Base Rate spread. The Initial First Lien Term Loans mature on June 8, 2028 and the Initial Revolving Loans mature on June 8, 2026.

The interest rate for the Initial Second Lien Loans was (at the Borrower’s option) either (a) the LIBO Rate (as defined in the Second Lien Credit Agreement) plus 8.00% per annum or (b) the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the Second Lien Credit Agreement) plus 7.00% per annum.  The Initial Second Lien Loans were originally scheduled to mature on June 8, 2029.  As described above, in September 2021, the Initial Second Lien Loans were paid in full.

As of April 1, 2023, we have available credit of $125.0 million under the Revolving Facility. No revolving loans were outstanding as of April 1, 2023. As of April 1, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the effective interest rate for the Initial First Lien Term Loans and Revolving Facility was 8.33% and 7.91%, respectively.  

The First Lien Credit Agreement contains various financial, affirmative and negative covenants that we must adhere to. Under the First Lien Credit Agreement, the Borrower is required to comply with a springing financial covenant, which requires the Borrower to maintain a first lien net leverage ratio of consolidated first lien net debt to consolidated EBITDA (with certain adjustments as set forth in the First Lien Credit Agreement) of no greater than 6.95:1.00. Such financial covenant is tested only if outstanding revolving loans (excluding any undrawn letters of credit) minus unrestricted cash

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exceeds 35% of the aggregate revolving credit commitments. The financial covenant is subject to customary “equity cure” rights. In addition, under the First Lien Credit Agreement, an annual excess cashflow calculation is required, to determine if any excess is required to be paid on the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility. As of April 1, 2023, the Company had no outstanding revolving loans, so did not meet the requirement to test the financial covenant under the First Lien Credit Agreement.

Statement of Cash Flows

The following table presents a summary of our cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the periods presented:

13 Weeks Ended

(In thousands)

April 1, 2023

    

March 26, 2022

Cash provided by (used in):

    

  

    

  

Operating activities

$

17,177

$

11,199

Investing activities

 

(2,173)

 

(7,180)

Financing activities

 

(20)

 

(24)

Change in cash and cash equivalents

$

14,984

$

3,995

Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities was $17.2 million for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023, an increase of $6.0 million from $11.2 million for the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase in net income of $3.8 million and an increase in adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities of $1.2 million, plus an increase in cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $1.0 million. The increase in adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities of $1.2 million was primarily related to an increase in equity-based compensation related to new equity awards and equity modifications made during the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023.    

The increase in cash provided by operating assets and liabilities for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 was primarily due to an increase in cash of $6.3 million from accounts receivable resulting from an increase in cash provided by inventories of $3.8 million due to lower inventory levels driven by strong sales volumes, and increased cash of $1.5 million from accounts payable resulting from increased days payable outstanding. The increase in cash provided by operating assets and liabilities for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 was offset by an increase in the use of cash for accrued expenses of $7.4 million related primarily due to the timing of the annual incentive payout, trade promotion activity and an increase in the use of cash for prepaid expenses of $3.2 million primarily related to vendor prepayments and prepaid trade.

Cash Used in Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities was $2.2 million for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023, a decrease of $5.0 million from $7.2 million for the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022. The decrease was related to decreased cash used for capital expenditures, primarily due to prior year payments for production equipment at a co-packing manufacturing facility.

Cash Used in Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities was $20 thousand for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023, a decrease of $4 thousand from $24 thousand for the 13 weeks ended March 26, 2022. Financing activities consisted of repayments of capital lease obligations.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of April 1, 2023, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, income or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

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Critical Accounting Estimates

For a description of critical accounting policies that affect our significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, refer to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on our 2022 Form 10-K.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.

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Graphic

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We are exposed to the following market risks:

Commodity and Packaging Prices and Inflation

In the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023, we experienced decreased cost of sales, as a percentage of net sales, driven by price increases in recent quarters across all products, changes in product mix, as well as productivity savings, all of which were partially offset by higher inflationary costs. Consistent with the consumer-packaged food industry, we are seeing cost increases in several raw materials and packaging while other costs are flat or lower than the prior year. Specific cost increases for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 include, but are not limited to, glass, cardboard, and fruit, while other costs such as milk and resin have decreased from the comparable period in fiscal 2022. In addition, the year over year cost of distribution for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 has remained relatively flat, while in first half of fiscal 2022 logistical issues at major ports, intermodal and trucking delays and capacity constraints for ocean freight cargo resulted in increased distribution costs.  

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk through fluctuations in interest rates on our debt obligations. Interest rate changes do not affect the market value of such debt, but could impact the amount of our interest payments, and accordingly, our future earnings and cash flows, assuming other factors are held constant. As of April 1, 2023, we had $480.8 million of variable rate debt outstanding under our Credit Facilities. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Credit Facilities and Unused Borrowing Capacity” above. As of July 2022, we entered into a cash flow hedge to manage interest rate risk on $240.0 million of the $480.8 million variable rate debt. Based upon our principal amount of long-term debt outstanding at April 1, 2023, a hypothetical 1% increase in average interest rates over a LIBOR base of 4.83% would impact our annual interest expense in the next year by approximately $2 million, and a hypothetical 1% decrease in average interest rates below a LIBOR base of 4.83% would impact our annual interest expense in the next year by approximately $3 million.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations including foreign currency exchange rate risk. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could result in, among other things, our paying higher prices for certain imported products and services, and realizing lower net income, on a U.S. dollar basis, from our international purchases. For additional information regarding our foreign currency exchange risk refer to Note 13. Hedging and Derivative Financial Instruments, to the consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-Q.

Graphic

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosures.

Management, including the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation (pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act) of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of April 1, 2023, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II. Other Information

Graphic

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we may become involved in actions, claims, suits and other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business, including lawsuits or claims relating to product labelling or related disclaimers, product recalls and product liability as well as the marketing of our products, intellectual property, contracts, employment matters, environmental matters or other aspects of our business. We are not currently a party to any actions the outcome of which would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations if determined adversely to us.

Graphic

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties. There were no material changes from the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A., “Risk Factors” in our 2022 Form 10-K.

Graphic

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Graphic

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Graphic

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Graphic

Item 5. Other Information

None.

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Table of Contents

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit

No.

    

Document

*†10.1

Incentive Unit Grant Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2018, between Sovos Brands Limited Partnership and Kirk A. Jensen.

*†10.2

Incentive Unit Grant Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, between Sovos Brands Limited Partnership and Kirk A. Jensen.

*†10.3

Restricted Stock Agreement, dated as of September 22, 2021 among Sovos Brands, Inc., Sovos Brands Limited Partnership and Kirk A. Jensen.

*†10.4

Notice of Modification of Vesting Terms of Restricted Stock Agreement, dated as of September 22, 2021, among Sovos Brands, Inc., Sovos Brands Limited Partnership and Kirk A. Jensen.

*†10.5

February 2023 Form of Notice of Modification of Vesting Terms of Restricted Stock Agreement among Sovos Brands, Inc., Sovos Brands Limited Partnership and certain of its officers and a director.

*†10.6

February 2023 Notice of Modification of Vesting Terms of Restricted Stock Agreement, dated as of September 22, 2021, among Sovos Brands, Inc., Sovos Brands Limited Partnership, Todd R. Lachman, and Christine R. Lachman and The St. Louis Trust Company, as trustees of the Todd Lachman 2021 Family Trust.

*†10.7

February 2023 Notice of Modification of Vesting Terms of Restricted Stock Agreement, dated as of September 22, 2021, among Sovos Brands, Inc., Sovos Brands Limited Partnership and Kirk A. Jensen.

*†10.8

February 2023 Notice of Modification of Vesting Terms of Restricted Stock Agreement, dated as of September 22, 2021, among Sovos Brands, Inc., Sovos Brands Limited Partnership and William R. Johnson.

*†10.9

February 2023 Form of Notice of Modification of Vesting Eligibility re: Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units granted by Sovos Brands, Inc. to its officers under the Sovos Brands, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.

*†10.10

Offer Letter, dated as of April 29, 2018, between Sovos Brands and Kirk A. Jensen.

*†10.11

Offer Letter, dated as of September 26, 2022, between Sovos Brands, Inc. and E. Yuri Hermida.

*†10.12

Sovos Brands, Inc. Severance Plan for Executives.

*31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

*31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

*32.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act.

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

46

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104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document and contained in Exhibit 101).

*   Filed herewith.

 

† Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Sovos Brands, Inc.

By:

/s/ Christopher W. Hall

Date:   May 10, 2023

Name:

Christopher W. Hall

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Authorized Officer)

48

Exhibit 10.1

SOVOS BRANDS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

2017 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

INCENTIVE UNIT GRANT AGREEMENT

THIS INCENTIVE UNIT GRANT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made as of June 4, 2018 (the "Grant Date") among Sovos Brands Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (the "Partnership") and Kirk Jensen (the "Participant").

RECITALS

A.The Partnership is governed by the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Sovos Brands Limited Partnership, dated as of January 31, 2017, as may be amended from time to time (the "Partnership Agreement"). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Partnership Agreement.

B.In consideration for the prov1s10ns of services to or for the benefit of the Partnership by the Participant, the Partnership hereby grants Incentive Units to the Participant under the terms and provisions of this Agreement, the Sovos Brands Limited Partnership 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan") and the Partnership Agreement.

C.The Partnership and the Participant desire to impose certain vesting conditions with respect to the Incentive Units granted to the Participant.

AGREEMENTS

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Partnership and the Participant agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

GRANT OF INCENTIVE UNITS

1.1Grant. Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein and in the Plan and Partnership Agreement, the Participant is granted 2,500 Incentive Units of the Partnership, of which 1,041.8 shall be eligible to vest based on the passage of time (the "Time Vesting Units"),

312.2 shall be eligible to vest based on the achievement of certain performance goals (the "Tranche 1 Performance Units"), 312.2 shall be eligible to vest based on the achievement of certain performance goals (the "Tranche 2 Performance Units"), 416.8 shall be eligible to vest based on the achievement of certain performance goals (the "Tranche 3 Performance Units") and

416.9 shall be eligible to vest based on the achievement of certain performance goals (the "Tranche 4 Performance Units" and, together with the Tranche 1 Performance Units, the Tranche 2 Performance Units and the Tranche 3 Performance Units, the "Performance Vesting Units").

1.2Risks. The Participant is aware of and understands the following:
(a)the Participant must bear the economic risk of an investment in the Incentive Units for an indefinite period of time because, among other things, (i) the Incentive

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Units have not been registered under the Securities Act, and, therefore, cannot be sold unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available, (ii) the Incentive Units have not been registered under applicable state securities laws, and, therefore, cannot be sold unless they are registered under applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available, and (iii) there are substantial restrictions on the transferability of the Incentive Units under this Agreement, the Plan, the Partnership Agreement and applicable law, and substantial restrictions on distributions from the Partnership;

(b)there is no established market for the Incentive Units and no market (public or otherwise) for the Incentive Units will develop in the foreseeable future; and

(c)except as provided in the Partnership Agreement, the Participant has no rights to require that the Incentive Units be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any states and the Participant will not be able to avail itself of the provisions of Rule 144 adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act.
1.3Information. The Participant is one of the following as indicated on the Accredited Investor Questionnaire in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A and provided by the Participant to the Partnership:

(a)an "accredited investor" within the meaning of Rule 501(a) under Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, and has (or, in the case of a trust, the trustee has) such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of his, her or its investment in the Incentive Units, and the Participant is capable of bearing the economic risks of such investment and is able to bear the complete loss of his, her or its investment in the Incentive Units, or

(b)not an accredited investor, and has (or, in the case of a trust, the trustee has), by itself or through a "purchaser representative" within the meaning of Rule 501(i) under Regulation D of the Securities Act, such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of his, her or its investment in the Incentive Units, and the Participant is capable of bearing the economic risks of such investment and is able to bear the complete loss of his, her or its investment in the Incentive Units.

1.4Protective Section 83(b) Election. Within thirty (30) days from the date hereof, the Participant shall execute and file with the Internal Revenue Service a protective election under Section 83(b) of the Code with respect to the grant of Incentive Units described in this Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B and the Participant shall provide the Partnership with a copy of such executed and filed election promptly thereafter.

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ARTICLE II.

PROFITS INTERSETS; VESTING

2.1Profits Interests. The Incentive Units granted under this Agreement are intended to constitute "profits interests" as described in Section 3.04 of the Partnership Agreement and shall be subject to the terms and conditions thereof.

2.2Hurdle Amount. The Incentive Unit Hurdle Amount for the Incentive Units being granted to the Participant pursuant to this Agreement is equal to $0, such amount being determined by the General Partner as of the Grant Date pursuant to Section 3.04 of the Partnership Agreement; provided, that the Incentive Unit Hurdle Amount shall, in any event, be consistent with the intended characterization of the Incentive Units being granted hereunder as a "profits interest."

2.3Vesting of Incentive Units. The Incentive Units being granted to the Participant hereunder shall vest and become Vested Units as provided in this Section 2.3:
(a)Time Vesting Units

(i)Vesting. Subject to the remainder of this Section 2.3(a), 6.25% of the Time Vesting Units shall become Vested Units on each of the sixteen (16) quarterly anniversaries of the Vesting Commencement Date such that one hundred percent (100%) of the Time Vesting Units will be Vested Units on the fourth (4th) anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, subject, in each case, to the Participant's continued employment with the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries from the date of this Agreement through the applicable vesting date. For purposes of this Agreement, the "Vesting Commencement Date" shall mean May 14, 2018.

(ii)Change in Control. Upon the consummation of a Change in Control, one hundred percent (100%) of the Participant's Time Vesting Units that remain unvested shall become Vested Units as of immediately prior to such Change in Control, subject to the Participant's continued employment with the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries on the date of the Change in Control.

(b)Performance Vesting Units.

(i)Tranche 1 Performance Units. One-hundred percent (100%) of the Tranche 1 Performance Units shall become Vested Units upon the consummation of a Change in Control if the Advent Group achieves a MOIC equal to at least two (2), subject to the Participant's continued employment with the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries through the date of such Change in Control. For the avoidance of doubt, the Tranche 1 Performance Units shall not vest if the Advent Group receives Advent Cash Amounts resulting in a MOIC of less than two (2).

(ii)Tranche 2 Performance Units. One-hundred percent (100%) of the Tranche 2 Performance Units shall become Vested Units upon the consummation of a Change in Control to if the Advent Group achieves a MOIC equal to at least two and one-half (2.5), subject to the Participant's continued employment with the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries through

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Graphic

the date of such Change in Control. For the avoidance of doubt, the Tranche 2 Performance Units shall not vest if the Advent Group receives Advent Cash Amounts resulting in a MOIC of less than two and one-half (2.5).

(iii)Tranche 3 Performance Units. One-hundred percent (100%) of the Tranche 3 Performance Units shall become Vested Units upon the consummation of a Change in Control if the Advent Group achieves a MOIC equal to at least three (3), subject to the Participant's continued employment with the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries through the date of such Change in Control. For the avoidance of doubt, the Tranche 3 Performance Units shall not vest if the Advent Group receives Advent Cash Amounts resulting in a MOIC of less than three (3).

(iv)Tranche 4 Performance Units. One-hundred percent (100%) of the Tranche 4 Performance Units shall become Vested Units upon the consummation of a Change in Control if the Advent Group achieves a MOIC equal to at least four (4), subject to the Participant's continued employment with the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries through the date of such Change in Control. For the avoidance of doubt, the Tranche 4 Performance Units shall not vest if the Advent Group receives Advent Cash Amounts resulting in a MOIC of less than four (4).

(v)Change in Control. Any Performance Vesting Units that have not become Vested Units upon a Change in Control (after taking into account Performance Vesting Units that vest in connection with such Change in Control) shall be forfeited without consideration paid therefor.
(vi)Calculation of MOIC. It is understood and agreed that in the event of the receipt by the Advent Group of any distribution or any transaction in which the Advent Group will receive Advent Cash Amounts, in each case in connection with a Change in Control, then the calculations described for the MOIC shall be made on an "as if' basis prior to the actual receipt of such amounts and the outstanding Performance Vesting Units of the Participant shall become Vested Units immediately prior to the consummation of such Change in Control, on the basis of the amounts to be received by Advent in such distribution or transaction (including after giving effect to vesting of Performance Vesting Units as a result thereof under this paragraph) and the Participant shall be entitled to participate in such distribution or transaction as to such Vested Units. As a result, the calculations described above shall be made in terms of amounts to be received by Advent and the portion of the Performance Vesting Units that will become Vested Units able to participate in a distribution or transaction, all computed on an "after vesting" basis as to such Incentive Units.

ARTICLE III.

FORFEITURE OF INCENTIVE UNITS; REPURCHASE RIGHT

3.1Forfeiture of Performance Vesting Units and  Time Vesting Units. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, upon a termination of employment for any reason, all Performance Vesting Units and Time Vesting Units that have not vested as of the date of termination of employment, shall expire and immediately be forfeited and canceled in their entirety without any consideration to the Participant.

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3.2Forfeiture of Vested Units. Upon (i) a termination of employment for Cause, (ii) resignation by the Participant when grounds for Cause exist or (iii) if, following any termination of employment, the Participant commits a Covenant Breach, then all Vested Units and any Class A Units acquired pursuant to the conversion of Vested Units pursuant to Section 3.04(e) of the Partnership Agreement shall expire and immediately be forfeited and cancelled in their entirety without any consideration to the Participant.

3.3Repurchase Right. The Participant agrees and acknowledges that the Incentive Units and any Class A Units acquired pursuant to the conversion of Vested Units pursuant to Section 3.04(e) of the Partnership Agreement shall be subject to repurchase by the Partnership or its designee under certain circumstances as set forth in Section 7.07 of the Partnership Agreement.

3.4Conversion of Incentive Units into Incentive Class A Units. The Participant acknowledges and agrees that, upon a termination of the Participant's employment with the Partnership and its Subsidiaries, the Partnership may effect a conversion of the Participant's Vested Units into Class A Units on the terms and conditions set forth in Section 3.04(e) of the Partnership Agreement.

ARTICLE IV.

PARTNERSIDP AGREEMENT

4.1Partnership Agreement. The Participant agrees and acknowledges that as a condition subsequent to the grant of the Incentive Units granted under this Agreement, the Participant shall execute and become a party to and be bound by the terms and conditions of the Partnership Agreement pursuant to the Joinder Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.

ARTICLE V.

DEFINITIONS

5.1Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

(a)"Advent" means Advent International Corporation.

(b)"Advent Cash Amounts" means, as of the date of a Change in Control, without duplication, the sum of the following:
(i)the amount of cash distributions and other cash proceeds received by the Advent Group on or prior to such Change in Control in respect of any Advent Investments, including cash proceeds received from a partial liquidation of the Partnership or such Change in Control;

(ii)the amount of cash proceeds previously received by the Advent Group from the disposition of any non-cash proceeds (including non-cash distributions) received in exchange for, or in respect of, any Advent Investments prior to such Change in Control; and

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(iii)an amount equal to the fair market value, as determined by the Board in its reasonable good faith discretion, of Marketable Securities received by the Advent Group on or before a Change in Control with respect to, or from the sale or other disposition of, any Advent Investments (in each of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) net of any Unreimbursed Transaction Expenses).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, none of the following shall be included in the calculation of "Advent Cash Amounts": Tax Distributions pursuant to Section 5.01(c) of the Partnership Agreement, expense reimbursement, indemnification payments or similar amounts made to the Advent Group.

(c)"Advent Group" shall mean Advent and its Affiliates.

(d)"Advent Investment Amount" shall mean (without duplication) all Capital Contributions made by the Advent Group and all other cash amounts invested by the Advent Group in the Partnership, whether before, at or after the Closing Date.

(e)"Advent Investments" shall mean, without duplication, the Advent Group's Class A Units in the Partnership and any other investment included in the definition of Advent Investment Amount.

(f)"Affiliate" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Partnership

Agreement.

(g)"Capital Contribution" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Partnership Agreement.

(h)"Cause" shall, notwithstanding any contrary or alternative definition set forth in the Partnership Agreement, have the meaning given to such term in the Participant's employment agreement if the Participant is party to an employment agreement in effect on the date of such determination or, if earlier, immediately prior to the Participant's termination of employment, that defines the term "Cause" or term of like import and, if no such agreement exists or such agreement does not define "Cause" or a term of like import, "Cause" shall mean the Participant's (i) material failure or willful refusal to perform employment duties to the Partnership and its Affiliates; (ii) material misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of duties to the Partnership and its Affiliates; (iii) failure to act in good faith in accordance with lawful instructions from the Board of Directors of Grand Prix Intermediate, Inc. (the "Company") or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (other than by reason of a disability); (iv) indictment for, conviction of, or pleading nolo contendere to, a felony, or a crime of moral turpitude that has a material effect on the Partnership; (v) theft from, fraud on or embezzlement from the Partnership or its Affiliates; or (vi) material breach of this Agreement; provided, that a termination for Cause with respect to items (i), (iii) and (vi) will only be effective upon the satisfaction of the following requirements: (1) the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries notifies the Participant in writing of any action that purportedly constitutes Cause, which notice specifies in detail the alleged facts and specific action which the Partnership deems are a basis for a termination for Cause and (2) the Participant fails to remedy such action within 30 days following the receipt of such written notice.

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(i)"Closing Date" means January 31, 2017.

(i)"Covenant Breach" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Partnership Agreement.

(k)"General Partner" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Partnership Agreement.

(1)"Marketable Securities" shall mean securities that are freely tradable on an established securities market without restriction received by the Advent Group from an unrelated third party, excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, Class A Units and Successor Shares.

(m)"MOIC" shall mean as of the date of a Change in Control, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the Advent Cash Amounts by (ii) the Advent Investment Amount.

(n)"Successor Shares" means shares of stock of the successor to the Partnership that is the issuer in the Initial Public Offering and that are freely tradable held by the Advent Group which have been received by the Advent Group in respect of its Class A Units.
(o)"Unreimbursed Transaction Costs" means all out-of-pocket reasonable legal, accounting, financial advisor, brokerage and investment banking fees paid by the Advent Group and their Affiliates, which in the event of a deemed sale shall be estimated by the General Partner in good faith, excluding any amounts that are paid or reimbursed by the Partnership or its Subsidiaries.

(p)"Vested Units" shall mean, as of the applicable date of determination, the Incentive Units that have vested in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, the Plan and the Partnership Agreement.

ARTICLE VI. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

6.1Restrictive Covenants. In consideration for the Incentive Units granted to the Participant by the Partnership under this Agreement and for the Participant's access to and receipt of the confidential information and trade secrets described herein, the Participant agrees to be bound by the following covenants; provided that, if the Participant is subject to restrictive covenants under any other agreement, including, but not limited to, an applicable employment agreement, then the broadest restrictive covenants shall apply to the Participant.

(a)Non-Solicitation. During the term of the Participant's employment with the Partnership or one of Subsidiaries (the "Employment Term") and for a period of two years thereafter, the Participant agrees that the Participant will not, except in the furtherance of the Participant's duties hereunder, directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, solicit, aid or induce any employee of the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates at the time of such action to leave such employment or to accept employment with or render services to or with any other person, firm, corporation or other entity unaffiliated with the Partnership or hire or retain any such employee, or take any action to materially assist or aid any other person, firm, corporation or other entity in identifying, hiring or

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soliciting any such employee. An employee shall be deemed covered by this sub-section while so employed or retained and for six months thereafter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this sub-section shall not be violated by general advertising or solicitation not specifically targeted at employees of the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates; provided, that such general advertising or solicitation does not result in the hiring of any employee that the Participant otherwise would be prohibited from hiring under this Section 6.1.

(b)Non-Competition. During the Employment Term and for a period of two years thereafter, the Participant agrees that the Participant will not directly or indirectly, whether for pay or otherwise: own, operate, form or assist others in forming, be employed by, render services of an executive, advertising, marketing, sales, administrative, supervisory, technical, research, purchasing or consulting nature, or otherwise assist or lend his or her name, counsel or assistance to, to any person, corporation or other entity that engages in any business in which the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or its direct Affiliates is actively engaged, or which the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or its direct Affiliates is actively pursuing as of the termination of the Participant's employment, in each case in any state of the United States and any country outside the United States in which the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or its direct Affiliates conducts its business.

(c)Confidentiality. The Participant acknowledges that during the Employment Term, the Participant shall have access to and shall be provided with sensitive, confidential, proprietary, business, technical, data and other trade secret information of the Partnership that is the property of the Partnership, and the Participant agrees that the Partnership has a protectable interest in such property. The Participant agrees that the Participant shall not, directly or indirectly, use, make available, sell, disclose or otherwise communicate to any person, other than in the course of the Participant's assigned duties and for the benefit of the Partnership or to Participant's personal advisors for purposes of enforcing or interpreting this Agreement, during the Participant's employment with the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries and at all times thereafter, any business and technical information, nonpublic, proprietary or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Partnership, any of its Subsidiaries, Affiliated companies or businesses, which shall have been obtained by the Participant during the Participant's employment by the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries (or any predecessor). The foregoing shall not apply to information that (i) was known to the public prior to its disclosure to the Participant; (ii) becomes generally known to the public subsequent to disclosure to the Participant through no wrongful act of the Participant or any representative of the Participant; or

(iii) the Participant is required to disclose by applicable law, regulation or legal process

(provided that, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Participant provides the Partnership with prior notice of the contemplated disclosure and cooperates with the Partnership at its expense in seeking a protective order or other appropriate protection of such information). Notwithstanding anything in this provision to the contrary, the Participant shall not, directly or indirectly, use, make available, sell, disclose or otherwise communicate to any person, other than in the course of the Participant's assigned duties and for the benefit of the Partnership, either during the period of the Participant's employment or at any time thereafter, any information or data that constitutes a trade secret as defined by applicable law. Nothing in this provision shall be construed to prohibit the Participant from disclosing any such information to the Partnership's Affiliated entities provided that the Participant takes reasonable measures to ensure the continued confidentiality and trade secret status of such information.  Notwithstanding anything herein to

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the contrary, nothing in this Agreement shall: (i) prohibit the Participant from making reports of possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity in accordance with the provisions of and rules promulgated under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or of any other whistleblower protection provisions of state or federal law or regulation or (ii) require notification or prior approval by the Partnership of any reporting described in clause (i). The Participant acknowledges that the Participant is hereby notified, in accordance with the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), that: (i) an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, in each case solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; (ii) an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal; and (iii) an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual (A) files any document containing the trade secret under seal and (B) does not disclose the trade secret except pursuant to court order.

(d)Non-Disparagement. The Participant shall not at any time, publicly or privately, verbally or in writing, directly or indirectly, make or cause to be made any defaming and/or disparaging, derogatory, misleading or false statement about the Advent Group, the Partnership or its Subsidiaries, or their officers, directors, employees, stockholders, members, partners or other Affiliates in any manner that would damage the business or reputation of the Advent Group, the Partnership, the Subsidiaries or such Affiliates. The Partnership and its Subsidiaries agrees to direct its executive officers and directors, as of the date of termination, not to make negative comments about the Participant or otherwise disparage the Participant in any manner that is likely to be harmful to the Participant's business reputation. The foregoing shall not be violated by truthful statements in response to legal process, required governmental testimony or filings, or administrative or arbitral proceedings (including, without limitation, depositions in connection with such proceedings) and the foregoing limitation on the Partnership's executive officers and directors shall not be violated by truthful statements that they in good faith believe are necessary to make in connection with performing their duties and obligations to the Partnership and its Subsidiaries.

(e)Inventions.

(i)The Participant acknowledges and agrees that all ideas, methods, inventions, discoveries, improvements, work products and developments ("Inventions"), whether patentable or unpatentable, (x) that relate to the Participant's work with the Partnership, made or conceived by the Participant, solely or jointly with others, during the Employment Term, or (y) suggested by any work that the Participant performs in connection with the Partnership, either while performing the Participant's duties with the Partnership or on the Participant's own time, but only insofar as the Inventions are related to the Participant's work as an employee or other service provider to the Partnership, shall belong exclusively to the Partnership (or its designee), whether or not patent applications are filed thereon. The Participant will keep full and complete

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written records (the "Records"), in the manner prescribed by the Partnership of all Inventions and will promptly disclose all Inventions completely and in writing to the Partnership. The Records shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Partnership and the Participant will surrender them upon the termination of the Employment Term, or upon the Partnership's request. The Participant will assign to the Partnership the Inventions and all patents that may issue thereon in any and all countries, whether during or subsequent to the Employment Term, together with the right to file, in the Participant's name or in the name of the Partnership (or its designee), applications for patents and equivalent rights (the "Applications"). The Participant will, at any time during and subsequent to the Employment Term, make such applications, sign such papers, take all rightful oaths, and perform all acts as may be requested from time to time by the Partnership with respect to the Inventions. The Participant will also execute assignments to the Partnership (or its designee), of the Applications, and give the Partnership and its attorneys all reasonable assistance (including the giving of testimony) to obtain the Inventions for its benefit, all without additional compensation to the Participant from the Partnership but entirely at the Partnership's expense.

(ii)In addition, the Inventions will be deemed Work for Hire, as such term is defined under the copyright law of the United States, on behalf of the Partnership and the Participant agrees that the Partnership will be the sole owner of the Inventions, and all underlying rights therein, in all media now known or hereinafter devised, throughout the universe and in perpetuity, without any further obligations to the Participant. If the Inventions, or any portion thereof, are deemed not to be Work for Hire, the Participant hereby irrevocably conveys, transfers and assigns to the Partnership all rights, in all media now known or hereinafter devised, throughout the universe and in perpetuity, in and to the Inventions, including, without limitation, all of the Participant's right, title and interest in the copyrights (and all renewals, revivals and extensions thereof) to the Inventions, including, without limitation, all rights of any kind or any nature now or hereafter recognized, including, without limitation, the unrestricted right to make modifications, adaptations and revisions to the Inventions, to exploit and allow others to exploit the Inventions and all rights to sue at law or in equity for any infringement or other unauthorized use or conduct in derogation of the Inventions, known or unknown, prior to the date hereof, including, without limitation, the right to receive all proceeds and damages therefrom. In addition, the Participant hereby waives any so-called "moral rights" with respect to the Inventions. The Participant hereby waives any and all currently existing and future monetary rights in and to the Inventions and all patents that may issue thereon, including, without limitation, any rights that would otherwise accrue to the Participant's benefit by virtue of the Participant being an employee of or other service provider to the Partnership.
6.2Reformation. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in any state or other jurisdiction that any restriction in this Section 6 is excessive in duration or scope or is unreasonable or unenforceable under the laws of that state or other jurisdiction, it is the intention of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court to render it enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by the law of that state.
6.3Enforcement; Remedies. The Participant acknowledges that the Participant's expertise is of a special and unique character which gives this expertise a particular value, and that a breach of Section 6.1 by the Participant will cause serious and potentially irreparable harm to the Partnership. The Participant therefore acknowledges that a breach of Section 6.1 by the

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Graphic

Participant cannot be adequately compensated in an action for damages at law, and equitable relief would be necessary to protect the Partnership from a violation of this Agreement and from the harm which this Agreement is intended to prevent. By reason thereof, the Participant acknowledges that the Partnership is entitled, in addition to any other remedies it may have under this Agreement or otherwise, to preliminary and permanent injunctive and other equitable relief to prevent or curtail any breach of this Agreement. The Participant acknowledges, however, that no specification in this Agreement of a specific legal or equitable remedy may be construed as a waiver of or prohibition against pursuing other legal or equitable remedies in the event of a breach of this Agreement by the Participant.

6.4Survival of Provisions. The obligations contained in Section 6 shall survive the termination or expiration of the Participant's employment with the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries and shall be fully enforceable thereafter.

ARTICLE VD. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

7.1Termination and Amendment of the Agreement. This Agreement shall be terminated only with the prior written consent of the Partnership (with the approval of the General Partner) and the Participant; provided, that this Article VII (Miscellaneous Provisions) shall survive any termination of this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended, and compliance with any term hereof may be waived, only with the prior written consent of the Partnership (with the written approval of the General Partner) and the Participant.
7.2Termination of Status as Participant. From and after the date that the Participant ceases to own any Incentive Units, he shall cease to be a Participant for the purposes of this Agreement and all rights he may have hereunder shall terminate, except for any rights with respect to matters contemplated hereby after such date and except for breaches occurring prior to such time. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, the Participant shall be deemed to own all Incentive Units owned by his Permitted Transferees.

7.3Notices. All notices required hereunder shall be delivered to the following respective addresses:

(a)The Partnership:

Sovos Brands Limited Partnership c/o Advent International Corporation 75 State Street

Boston, MA 02109

Attention: Jefferson Case and James Westra

With a copy to (which copy shall not constitute notice): Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

767 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10153

Attention: Marilyn French Shaw, Esq.

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(b)the Participant, at the address of the Participant as specified below such Participant's signature at the end of this Agreement.

Notices shall be in wTiting and shall be sent by facsimile or pdf e-mail, by mail (postage prepaid, registered or certified, by United States mail, return receipt requested), by nationally recognized private courier or by personal delivery. Notices shall be effective, (i) if sent by facsimile, when transmitted, (ii) if sent by pdf e-mail, when transmitted, (iii) if by nationally recognized private courier, when deposited with the private courier, (iv) if mailed, when deposited in the mail, and

(v) if personally delivered, the earlier of when delivery is made or first refused. Any Person may change its address for the delivery of notices by written notice served in accordance with the provisions hereof.

7.4Miscellaneous. The use of the singular or plural or masculine, feminine or neuter gender shall not be given an exclusionary meaning and, where applicable, shall be intended to include the appropriate number or gender, as the case may be.

7.5Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one instrument. Facsimile and pdf e-mail signatures shall have the same legal effect as manual signatures.

7.6Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Plan and the Partnership Agreement constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof. No promises, statements, understandings, representations, or warranties of any kind, whether oral or in writing, express or implied have been made to Participant by any Person to induce him to enter into this Agreement other than the express terms set forth in this Agreement, the Plan and the Partnership Agreement, and Participant is not relying upon any promises, statements, understandings, representations, or warranties with respect to the subject matter hereof other than those expressly set forth in this Agreement, the Plan and the Partnership Agreement. Any amendments to this Agreement must be made in writing and duly executed by each of the parties entitled to adopt said amendment as provided in Section 7.1 or by an authorized representative or agent of each such party. Participant hereby acknowledges and represents that he has had the opportunity to consult with independent legal counsel or other advisor of his choice and has done so regarding his rights and obligations under this Agreement, that he is entering into this Agreement knowingly, voluntarily, and of his own free will, that he is relying on his own judgment in doing so, and that he fully understands the terms and conditions contained herein.

7.7Incentive Units Subiect to Partnership Agreement. By entering into this Agreement the Participant agrees and acknowledges that (i) the Participant has received and read a copy of the Plan and the Partnership Agreement and (ii) the Incentive Units and any Class A Units acquired pursuant to the conversion of Incentive Units into Class A Units are subject to the Partnership Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. In the event of a conflict between any term or provision contained herein and a term or provision of the Plan, the applicable terms of this Agreement will govern and prevail. In the event of a conflict between any term or provision contained herein and a term in the Partnership Agreement, the applicable terms and provisions of the Partnership Agreement will govern and

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prevail (except as expressly set forth herein). Neither the adoption of the Plan nor any award made thereunder shall restrict in any way the adoption of any amendment to the Partnership Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof.

7.8Tax Withholding. The Participant may be required to pay to the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, and the Partnership and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates shall have the right and are hereby authorized to withhold from any payment due or transfer made under this Agreement or from any other amount owing to the Participant, the amount (in cash or, at the election of the Partnership, securities or other property) of any applicable federal, state, local or foreign withholding taxes in respect of an Incentive Unit or any payment or transfer under this Agreement and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the General Partner to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such taxes.

7.9Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their heirs, representatives, successors and permitted assigns (including Permitted Transferees to whom Units have been transferred, as applicable).

7.10Enforcement. The failure of any party hereto to insist in one or more instances on performance by another party hereto of any obligation, condition or other term of this Agreement in strict accordance with the provisions hereof shall not be construed as a waiver of any right granted hereunder or of the future performance of any obligation, condition or other term of this Agreement in strict accordance with the provisions hereof, and no waiver with respect thereto shall be effective unless contained in a writing signed by or on behalf of the waiving party. The remedies in this Agreement shall be cumulative and are not exclusive of any other remedies provided by law.

7.11Governing Law. This Agreement, and any and all claims arising out of, under, pursuant to, or in any way related to this Agreement, including but not limited to any and all claims (whether sounding in contract or tort) as to this Agreement's scope, validity, enforcement, interpretation, construction, and effect, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware (without regard to any conflict of laws rule which might result in the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction).
7.12Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is, becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any Person or award, such provision shall be constructed or deemed amended to conform to all applicable laws, or if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the General Partner, materially altering the intent of this Agreement or the award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, Person or award and the remainder of this Agreement and any such award shall remain in full force and effect.

7.13No Contract of Employment. Neither this Agreement nor any award granted under this Agreement shall confer upon any Person any right to employment or other service or continuance of employment or other service by the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates. This Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on any Participant or the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates any obligations to retain the Participant as an employee of the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, to change

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the status of the Participant's employment, or to change the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries' or Affiliates' policies regarding termination of employment.

7.14Captions. The article or section titles or captions contained in this Agreement are for convenience only and are not to be considered in the construction or interpretation of this Agreement or any provision thereof.
7.15No Third Party Rights. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to grant rights to any Person who is not a party to this Agreement.
7.16Rule of Construction. The parties acknowledge and agree that each has negotiated and reviewed the terms of this Agreement, assisted by such legal and tax counsel as they desired, and has contributed to its revisions. The parties further agree that the rule of construction that a contract shall be construed against the drafter shall not be applied. The word "including", means "including, without limitation."

7.17Units after Initial Public Offering. For purposes of determining vesting after an Initial Public Offering, references to Units shall also be deemed to be references to the shares that the holder of such Units receives in respect of such Units in connection with the Initial Public Offering.

[signature page follows]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

SOVOS BRANDS LIMITED

PARTNERSHIP

By: Sovos Brands GP LLC, its general partner

/s/ Todd Lachman

By:

Name: Todd Lachman Its: President and CEO

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO INCENTIVE UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT]


PARTICIPANT

/s/ Kirk Jensen​ ​

[S!GNATURE PAGE TO INCENTIVE UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT]


Graphic


Exhibit 10.2

SOVOS BRANDS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

2017 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

INCENTIVE UNIT GRANT AGREEMENT

THIS INCENTIVE UNIT GRANT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made as of May 1, 2019 (the “Grant Date”) among Sovos Brands Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Partnership”) and Kirk Jensen (the “Participant”).

R E C I T A L S

A.The Partnership is governed by the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Sovos Brands Limited Partnership, dated as of January 31, 2017, as may be amended from time to time (the “Partnership Agreement”).  Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Partnership Agreement.

B.In consideration for the provisions of services to or for the benefit of the Partnership by the Participant, the Partnership hereby grants Incentive Units to the Participant under the terms and provisions of this Agreement, the Sovos Brands Limited Partnership 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Partnership Agreement.

C.The Partnership and the Participant desire to impose certain vesting conditions with respect to the Incentive Units granted to the Participant.

A G R E E M E N T S

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Partnership and the Participant agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.
GRANT OF INCENTIVE UNITS

1.1Grant.  Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein and in the Plan and Partnership Agreement, the Participant is granted 1,200 Incentive Units of the Partnership, of which 500 shall be eligible to vest based on the passage of time (the “Time Vesting Units”), 150 shall be eligible to vest based on the achievement of certain performance goals (the “Tranche 1 Performance Units”), 150 shall be eligible to vest based on the achievement of certain performance goals (the “Tranche 2 Performance Units”), 200 shall be eligible to vest based on the achievement of certain performance goals (the “Tranche 3 Performance Units”) and 200 shall be eligible to vest based on the achievement of certain performance goals (the “Tranche 4 Performance Units” and, together with the Tranche 1 Performance Units, the Tranche 2 Performance Units and the Tranche 3 Performance Units, the “Performance Vesting Units”).
1.2Risks.  The Participant is aware of and understands the following:
(a)the Participant must bear the economic risk of an investment in the Incentive Units for an indefinite period of time because, among other things, (i) the Incentive Units have not

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been registered under the Securities Act, and, therefore, cannot be sold unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available, (ii) the Incentive Units have not been registered under applicable state securities laws, and, therefore, cannot be sold unless they are registered under applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available, and (iii) there are substantial restrictions on the transferability of the Incentive Units under this Agreement, the Plan, the Partnership Agreement and applicable law, and substantial restrictions on distributions from the Partnership;
(b)there is no established market for the Incentive Units and no market (public or otherwise) for the Incentive Units will develop in the foreseeable future; and
(c)except as provided in the Partnership Agreement, the Participant has no rights to require that the Incentive Units be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any states and the Participant will not be able to avail itself of the provisions of Rule 144 adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act.
1.3Information.  The Participant is one of the following as indicated on the Accredited Investor Questionnaire in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A and provided by the Participant to the Partnership:

(a) an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a) under Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, and has (or, in the case of a trust, the trustee has) such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of his, her or its investment in the Incentive Units, and the Participant is capable of bearing the economic risks of such investment and is able to bear the complete loss of his, her or its investment in the Incentive Units, or

(b) not an accredited investor, and has (or, in the case of a trust, the trustee has), by itself or through a “purchaser representative” within the meaning of Rule 501(i) under Regulation D of the Securities Act, such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of his, her or its investment in the Incentive Units, and the Participant is capable of bearing the economic risks of such investment and is able to bear the complete loss of his, her or its investment in the Incentive Units.

1.4Protective Section 83(b) Election.  Within thirty (30) days from the date hereof, the Participant shall execute and file with the Internal Revenue Service a protective election under Section 83(b) of the Code with respect to the grant of Incentive Units described in this Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B and the Participant shall provide the Partnership with a copy of such executed and filed election promptly thereafter.

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ARTICLE II.

PROFITS INTEREsTS; VESTING

2.1Profits Interests.  The Incentive Units granted under this Agreement are intended to constitute “profits interests” as described in Section 3.04 of the Partnership Agreement and shall be subject to the terms and conditions thereof.

2.2Hurdle Amount.  The Incentive Unit Hurdle Amount for the Incentive Units being granted to the Participant pursuant to this Agreement is equal to $150, such amount being determined by the General Partner as of the Grant Date pursuant to Section 3.04 of the Partnership Agreement; provided, that the Incentive Unit Hurdle Amount shall, in any event, be consistent with the intended characterization of the Incentive Units being granted hereunder as a “profits interest.”

2.3Vesting of Incentive Units.  The Incentive Units being granted to the Participant hereunder shall vest and become Vested Units as provided in this Section 2.3:

(a)Time Vesting Units

(i)Vesting.  Subject to the remainder of this Section 2.3(a), 6.25% of the Time Vesting Units shall become Vested Units on each of the sixteen (16) quarterly anniversaries of the Vesting Commencement Date such that one hundred percent (100%) of the Time Vesting Units will be Vested Units on the fourth (4th) anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, subject, in each case, to the Participant’s continued employment with the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries from the date of this Agreement through the applicable vesting date.  For purposes of this Agreement, the “Vesting Commencement Date” shall mean November 20, 2018.
(ii)Change in Control.  Upon the consummation of a Change in Control, one hundred percent (100%) of the Participant’s Time Vesting Units that remain unvested shall become Vested Units as of immediately prior to such Change in Control, subject to the Participant’s continued employment with the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries on the date of the Change in Control.

(b)Performance Vesting Units.  

(i)Tranche 1 Performance Units.  One-hundred percent (100%) of the Tranche 1 Performance Units shall become Vested Units upon the consummation of a Change in Control if the Advent Group achieves a MOIC equal to at least two (2), subject to the Participant’s continued employment with the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries through the date of such Change in Control. For the avoidance of doubt, the Tranche 1 Performance Units shall not vest if the Advent Group receives Advent Cash Amounts resulting in a MOIC of less than two (2).
(ii)Tranche 2 Performance Units.  One-hundred percent (100%) of the Tranche 2 Performance Units shall become Vested Units upon the consummation of a Change in Control to if the Advent Group achieves a MOIC equal to at least two and one-half (2.5), subject to the Participant’s continued employment with the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries through the date of such Change in Control. For the avoidance of doubt, the Tranche 2 Performance Units

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shall not vest if the Advent Group receives Advent Cash Amounts resulting in a MOIC of less than two and one-half (2.5).
(iii)Tranche 3 Performance Units.  One-hundred percent (100%) of the Tranche 3 Performance Units shall become Vested Units upon the consummation of a Change in Control if the Advent Group achieves a MOIC equal to at least three (3), subject to the Participant’s continued employment with the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries through the date of such Change in Control. For the avoidance of doubt, the Tranche 3 Performance Units shall not vest if the Advent Group receives Advent Cash Amounts resulting in a MOIC of less than three (3).
(iv)Tranche 4 Performance Units.  One-hundred percent (100%) of the Tranche 4 Performance Units shall become Vested Units upon the consummation of a Change in Control if the Advent Group achieves a MOIC equal to at least four (4), subject to the Participant’s continued employment with the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries through the date of such Change in Control. For the avoidance of doubt, the Tranche 4 Performance Units shall not vest if the Advent Group receives Advent Cash Amounts resulting in a MOIC of less than four (4).
(v)Change in Control.  Any Performance Vesting Units that have not become Vested Units upon a Change in Control (after taking into account Performance Vesting Units that vest in connection with such Change in Control) shall be forfeited without consideration paid therefor.
(vi)Calculation of MOIC.  It is understood and agreed that in the event of the receipt by the Advent Group of any distribution or any transaction in which the Advent Group will receive Advent Cash Amounts, in each case in connection with a Change in Control, then the calculations described for the MOIC shall be made on an “as if” basis prior to the actual receipt of such amounts and the outstanding Performance Vesting Units of the Participant shall become Vested Units immediately prior to the consummation of such Change in Control, on the basis of the amounts to be received by Advent in such distribution or transaction (including after giving effect to vesting of Performance Vesting Units as a result thereof under this paragraph) and the Participant shall be entitled to participate in such distribution or transaction as to such Vested Units.  As a result, the calculations described above shall be made in terms of amounts to be received by Advent and the portion of the Performance Vesting Units that will become Vested Units able to participate in a distribution or transaction, all computed on an “after vesting” basis as to such Incentive Units.

ARTICLE III.
FORFEITURE OF INCENTIVE UNITS; REPURCHASE Right

3.1Forfeiture of Performance Vesting Units and Time Vesting Units.     Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, upon a termination of employment for any reason, all Performance Vesting Units and Time Vesting Units that have not vested as of the date of termination of employment, shall expire and immediately be forfeited and canceled in their entirety without any consideration to the Participant.

3.2Forfeiture of Vested Units. Upon (i) a termination of employment for Cause, (ii) resignation by the Participant when grounds for Cause exist or (iii) if, following any termination

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of employment, the Participant commits a Covenant Breach, then all Vested Units and any Class A Units acquired pursuant to the conversion of Vested Units pursuant to Section 3.04(e) of the Partnership Agreement shall expire and immediately be forfeited and cancelled in their entirety without any consideration to the Participant.

3.3Repurchase Right. The Participant agrees and acknowledges that the Incentive Units and any Class A Units acquired pursuant to the conversion of Vested Units pursuant to Section 3.04(e) of the Partnership Agreement shall be subject to repurchase by the Partnership or its designee under certain circumstances as set forth in Section 7.07 of the Partnership Agreement.

3.4Conversion of Incentive Units into Incentive Class A Units.  The Participant acknowledges and agrees that, upon a termination of the Participant’s employment with the Partnership and its Subsidiaries, the Partnership may effect a conversion of the Participant’s Vested Units into Class A Units on the terms and conditions set forth in Section 3.04(e) of the Partnership Agreement.

ARTICLE IV.
Partnership agreement

4.1Partnership Agreement.  The Participant agrees and acknowledges that as a condition subsequent to the grant of the Incentive Units granted under this Agreement, the Participant shall execute and become a party to and be bound by the terms and conditions of the Partnership Agreement pursuant to the Joinder Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.

ARTICLE V.
Definitions

5.1Definitions.  As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

(a)Advent” means Advent International Corporation.
(b)Advent Cash Amounts” means, as of the date of a Change in Control, without duplication, the sum of the following:

(i) the amount of cash distributions and other cash proceeds received by the Advent Group on or prior to such Change in Control in respect of any Advent Investments, including cash proceeds received from a partial liquidation of the Partnership or such Change in Control;

(ii) the amount of cash proceeds previously received by the Advent Group from the disposition of any non-cash proceeds (including non-cash distributions) received in exchange for, or in respect of, any Advent Investments prior to such Change in Control; and

(iii) an amount equal to the fair market value, as determined by the Board in its reasonable good faith discretion, of Marketable Securities received by the Advent Group on

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or before a Change in Control with respect to, or from the sale or other disposition of, any Advent Investments (in each of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) net of any Unreimbursed Transaction Expenses).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, none of the following shall be included in the calculation of “Advent Cash Amounts”: Tax Distributions pursuant to Section 5.01(c) of the Partnership Agreement, expense reimbursement, indemnification payments or similar amounts made to the Advent Group.

(c)Advent Group” shall mean Advent and its Affiliates.
(d)Advent Investment Amount” shall mean (without duplication) all Capital Contributions made by the Advent Group and all other cash amounts invested by the Advent Group in the Partnership, whether before, at or after the Closing Date.
(e)Advent Investments” shall mean, without duplication, the Advent Group’s Class A Units in the Partnership and any other investment included in the definition of Advent Investment Amount.
(f)Affiliate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Partnership Agreement.
(g)Capital Contribution” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Partnership Agreement.
(h)Cause” shall, notwithstanding any contrary or alternative definition set forth in the Partnership Agreement, have the meaning given to such term in the Participant’s employment agreement if the Participant is party to an employment agreement in effect on the date of such determination or, if earlier, immediately prior to the Participant’s termination of employment, that defines the term “Cause” or term of like import and, if no such agreement exists or such agreement does not define “Cause” or a term of like import, “Cause” shall mean the Participant’s (i) material failure or willful refusal to perform employment duties to the Partnership and its Affiliates; (ii) material misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of duties to the Partnership and its Affiliates; (iii) failure to act in good faith in accordance with lawful instructions from the Board of Directors of Grand Prix Intermediate, Inc. (the “Company”) or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (other than by reason of a disability); (iv) indictment for, conviction of, or pleading nolo contendere to, a felony, or a crime of moral turpitude that has a material effect on the Partnership; (v) theft from, fraud on or embezzlement from the Partnership or its Affiliates; or (vi) material breach of this Agreement; provided, that a termination for Cause with respect to items (i), (iii) and (vi) will only be effective upon the satisfaction of the following requirements: (1) the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries notifies the Participant in writing of any action that purportedly constitutes Cause, which notice specifies in detail the alleged facts and specific action which the Partnership deems are a basis for a termination for Cause and (2) the Participant fails to remedy such action within 30 days following the receipt of such written notice.
(i)Closing Date” means January 31, 2017.
(j)Covenant Breach” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Partnership Agreement.

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(k)General Partner” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Partnership Agreement.
(l)Marketable Securities” shall mean securities that are freely tradable on an established securities market without restriction received by the Advent Group from an unrelated third party, excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, Class A Units and Successor Shares.
(m)MOIC” shall mean as of the date of a Change in Control, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the Advent Cash Amounts by (ii) the Advent Investment Amount.
(n)Successor Shares” means shares of stock of the successor to the Partnership that is the issuer in the Initial Public Offering and that are freely tradable held by the Advent Group which have been received by the Advent Group in respect of its Class A Units.
(o)Unreimbursed Transaction Costs” means all out-of-pocket reasonable legal, accounting, financial advisor, brokerage and investment banking fees paid by the Advent Group and their Affiliates, which in the event of a deemed sale shall be estimated by the General Partner in good faith, excluding any amounts that are paid or reimbursed by the Partnership or its Subsidiaries.
(p)Vested Units” shall mean, as of the applicable date of determination, the Incentive Units that have vested in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, the Plan and the Partnership Agreement.

ARTICLE VI.

RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

6.1Restrictive Covenants. In consideration for the Incentive Units granted to the Participant by the Partnership under this Agreement and for the Participant’s access to and receipt of the confidential information and trade secrets described herein, the Participant agrees to be bound by the following covenants; provided that, if the Participant is subject to restrictive covenants under any other agreement, including, but not limited to, an applicable employment agreement, then the broadest restrictive covenants shall apply to the Participant.

(a)Non-Solicitation.  During the term of the Participant’s employment with the Partnership or one of Subsidiaries (the “Employment Term”) and for a period of two years thereafter, the Participant agrees that the Participant will not, except in the furtherance of the Participant’s duties hereunder, directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, solicit, aid or induce any employee of the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates at the time of such action to leave such employment or to accept employment with or render services to or with any other person, firm, corporation or other entity unaffiliated with the Partnership or hire or retain any such employee, or take any action to materially assist or aid any other person, firm, corporation or other entity in identifying, hiring or soliciting any such employee.  An employee shall be deemed covered by this sub-section while so employed or retained and for six months thereafter.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this sub-section shall not be violated by general advertising or solicitation not specifically targeted at employees of the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates; provided, that such

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general advertising or solicitation does not result in the hiring of any employee that the Participant otherwise would be prohibited from hiring under this Section 6.1.
(b)Non-Competition.  During the Employment Term and for a period of two years thereafter, the Participant agrees that the Participant will not directly or indirectly, whether for pay or otherwise: own, operate, form or assist others in forming, be employed by, render services of an executive, advertising, marketing, sales, administrative, supervisory, technical, research, purchasing or consulting nature, or otherwise assist or lend his or her name, counsel or assistance to, to any person, corporation or other entity that engages in any business in which the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or its direct Affiliates is actively engaged, or which the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or its direct Affiliates is actively pursuing as of the termination of the Participant’s employment, in each case in any state of the United States and any country outside the United States in which the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or its direct Affiliates conducts its business.
(c)Confidentiality. The Participant acknowledges that during the Employment Term, the Participant shall have access to and shall be provided with sensitive, confidential, proprietary, business, technical, data and other trade secret information of the Partnership that is the property of the Partnership, and the Participant agrees that the Partnership has a protectable interest in such property.  The Participant agrees that the Participant shall not, directly or indirectly, use, make available, sell, disclose or otherwise communicate to any person, other than in the course of the Participant’s assigned duties and for the benefit of the Partnership or to Participant’s personal advisors for purposes of enforcing or interpreting this Agreement, during the Participant’s employment with the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries and at all times thereafter, any business and technical information, nonpublic, proprietary or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Partnership, any of its Subsidiaries, Affiliated companies or businesses, which shall have been obtained by the Participant during the Participant’s employment by the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries (or any predecessor). The foregoing shall not apply to information that (i) was known to the public prior to its disclosure to the Participant; (ii) becomes generally known to the public subsequent to disclosure to the Participant through no wrongful act of the Participant or any representative of the Participant; or (iii) the Participant is required to disclose by applicable law, regulation or legal process (provided that, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Participant provides the Partnership with prior notice of the contemplated disclosure and cooperates with the Partnership at its expense in seeking a protective order or other appropriate protection of such information). Notwithstanding anything in this provision to the contrary, the Participant shall not, directly or indirectly, use, make available, sell, disclose or otherwise communicate to any person, other than in the course of the Participant’s assigned duties and for the benefit of the Partnership, either during the period of the Participant’s employment or at any time thereafter, any information or data that constitutes a trade secret as defined by applicable law. Nothing in this provision shall be construed to prohibit the Participant from disclosing any such information to the Partnership’s Affiliated entities provided that the Participant takes reasonable measures to ensure the continued confidentiality and trade secret status of such information.   Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement shall: (i) prohibit the Participant from making reports of possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity in accordance with the provisions of and rules promulgated under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or of any other whistleblower protection provisions of state or federal law or regulation or

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(ii) require notification or prior approval by the Partnership of any reporting described in clause (i).  The Participant acknowledges that the Participant is hereby notified, in accordance with the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), that: (i) an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, in each case solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; (ii) an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal; and (iii) an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual (A) files any document containing the trade secret under seal and (B) does not disclose the trade secret except pursuant to court order.
(d)Non-Disparagement.  The Participant shall not at any time, publicly or privately, verbally or in writing, directly or indirectly, make or cause to be made any defaming and/or disparaging, derogatory, misleading or false statement about the Advent Group, the Partnership or its Subsidiaries, or their officers, directors, employees, stockholders, members, partners or other Affiliates in any manner that would damage the business or reputation of the Advent Group, the Partnership, the Subsidiaries or such Affiliates.  The Partnership and its Subsidiaries agrees to direct its executive officers and directors, as of the date of termination, not to make negative comments about the Participant or otherwise disparage the Participant in any manner that is likely to be harmful to the Participant’s business reputation. The foregoing shall not be violated by truthful statements in response to legal process, required governmental testimony or filings, or administrative or arbitral proceedings (including, without limitation, depositions in connection with such proceedings) and the foregoing limitation on the Partnership’s executive officers and directors shall not be violated by truthful statements that they in good faith believe are necessary to make in connection with performing their duties and obligations to the Partnership and its Subsidiaries.
(e)Inventions.

(i)The Participant acknowledges and agrees that all ideas, methods, inventions, discoveries, improvements, work products and developments (“Inventions”), whether patentable or unpatentable, (x) that relate to the Participant’s work with the Partnership, made or conceived by the Participant, solely or jointly with others, during the Employment Term, or (y) suggested by any work that the Participant performs in connection with the Partnership, either while performing the Participant’s duties with the Partnership or on the Participant’s own time, but only insofar as the Inventions are related to the Participant’s work as an employee or other service provider to the Partnership, shall belong exclusively to the Partnership (or its designee), whether or not patent applications are filed thereon. The Participant will keep full and complete written records (the “Records”), in the manner prescribed by the Partnership of all Inventions and will promptly disclose all Inventions completely and in writing to the Partnership. The Records shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Partnership and the Participant will surrender them upon the termination of the Employment Term, or upon the Partnership’s request. The Participant will assign to the Partnership the Inventions and all patents that may issue thereon in any and all countries, whether during or subsequent to the Employment Term, together with the right to file,

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in the Participant’s name or in the name of the Partnership (or its designee), applications for patents and equivalent rights (the “Applications”). The Participant will, at any time during and subsequent to the Employment Term, make such applications, sign such papers, take all rightful oaths, and perform all acts as may be requested from time to time by the Partnership with respect to the Inventions. The Participant will also execute assignments to the Partnership (or its designee), of the Applications, and give the Partnership and its attorneys all reasonable assistance (including the giving of testimony) to obtain the Inventions for its benefit, all without additional compensation to the Participant from the Partnership but entirely at the Partnership’s expense.

(ii)In addition, the Inventions will be deemed Work for Hire, as such term is defined under the copyright law of the United States, on behalf of the Partnership and the Participant agrees that the Partnership will be the sole owner of the Inventions, and all underlying rights therein, in all media now known or hereinafter devised, throughout the universe and in perpetuity, without any further obligations to the Participant. If the Inventions, or any portion thereof, are deemed not to be Work for Hire, the Participant hereby irrevocably conveys, transfers and assigns to the Partnership all rights, in all media now known or hereinafter devised, throughout the universe and in perpetuity, in and to the Inventions, including, without limitation, all of the Participant’s right, title and interest in the copyrights (and all renewals, revivals and extensions thereof) to the Inventions, including, without limitation, all rights of any kind or any nature now or hereafter recognized, including, without limitation, the unrestricted right to make modifications, adaptations and revisions to the Inventions, to exploit and allow others to exploit the Inventions and all rights to sue at law or in equity for any infringement or other unauthorized use or conduct in derogation of the Inventions, known or unknown, prior to the date hereof, including, without limitation, the right to receive all proceeds and damages therefrom. In addition, the Participant hereby waives any so-called “moral rights” with respect to the Inventions. The Participant hereby waives any and all currently existing and future monetary rights in and to the Inventions and all patents that may issue thereon, including, without limitation, any rights that would otherwise accrue to the Participant’s benefit by virtue of the Participant being an employee of or other service provider to the Partnership.

6.2Reformation.  If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in any state or other jurisdiction that any restriction in this Section 6 is excessive in duration or scope or is unreasonable or unenforceable under the laws of that state or other jurisdiction, it is the intention of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court to render it enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by the law of that state.

6.3Enforcement; Remedies.  The Participant acknowledges that the Participant’s expertise is of a special and unique character which gives this expertise a particular value, and that a breach of Section 6.1 by the Participant will cause serious and potentially irreparable harm to the Partnership.  The Participant therefore acknowledges that a breach of Section 6.1 by the Participant cannot be adequately compensated in an action for damages at law, and equitable relief would be necessary to protect the Partnership from a violation of this Agreement and from the harm which this Agreement is intended to prevent.  By reason thereof, the Participant acknowledges that the Partnership is entitled, in addition to any other remedies it may have under this Agreement or otherwise, to preliminary and permanent injunctive and other equitable relief to prevent or curtail any breach of this Agreement.  The Participant acknowledges, however, that no specification in this Agreement of a specific legal or equitable remedy may be construed as a waiver of or

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prohibition against pursuing other legal or equitable remedies in the event of a breach of this Agreement by the Participant.  

6.4Survival of Provisions.  The obligations contained in Section 6 shall survive the termination or expiration of the Participant’s employment with the Partnership or one of its Subsidiaries and shall be fully enforceable thereafter.

ARTICLE VII.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

7.1Termination and Amendment of the Agreement.  This Agreement shall be terminated only with the prior written consent of the Partnership (with the approval of the General Partner) and the Participant; provided, that this Article VII (Miscellaneous Provisions) shall survive any termination of this Agreement.  This Agreement may be amended, and compliance with any term hereof may be waived, only with the prior written consent of the Partnership (with the written approval of the General Partner) and the Participant.

7.2Termination of Status as Participant.  From and after the date that the Participant ceases to own any Incentive Units, he shall cease to be a Participant for the purposes of this Agreement and all rights he may have hereunder shall terminate, except for any rights with respect to matters contemplated hereby after such date and except for breaches occurring prior to such time.  For the purposes of the preceding sentence, the Participant shall be deemed to own all Incentive Units owned by his Permitted Transferees.

7.3Notices.  All notices required hereunder shall be delivered to the following respective addresses:

(a)The Partnership:

Sovos Brands Limited Partnership

c/o Advent International Corporation

75 State Street

Boston, MA 02109

Attention: Jefferson Case and James Westra

With a copy to (which copy shall not constitute notice):

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

767 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10153

Attention: Marilyn French Shaw, Esq.

(b)the Participant, at the address of the Participant as specified below such Participant’s signature at the end of this Agreement.

Notices shall be in writing and shall be sent by facsimile or pdf e-mail, by mail (postage prepaid, registered or certified, by United States mail, return receipt requested), by nationally recognized private courier or by personal delivery.  Notices shall be effective, (i) if sent by facsimile, when

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transmitted, (ii) if sent by pdf e-mail, when transmitted, (iii) if by nationally recognized private courier, when deposited with the private courier, (iv) if mailed, when deposited in the mail, and (v) if personally delivered, the earlier of when delivery is made or first refused.  Any Person may change its address for the delivery of notices by written notice served in accordance with the provisions hereof.

7.4Miscellaneous.  The use of the singular or plural or masculine, feminine or neuter gender shall not be given an exclusionary meaning and, where applicable, shall be intended to include the appropriate number or gender, as the case may be.

7.5Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one instrument.  Facsimile and pdf e-mail signatures shall have the same legal effect as manual signatures.

7.6Entire Agreement.  This Agreement, the Plan and the Partnership Agreement constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.  No promises, statements, understandings, representations, or warranties of any kind, whether oral or in writing, express or implied have been made to Participant by any Person to induce him to enter into this Agreement other than the express terms set forth in this Agreement, the Plan and the Partnership Agreement, and Participant is not relying upon any promises, statements, understandings, representations, or warranties with respect to the subject matter hereof other than those expressly set forth in this Agreement, the Plan and the Partnership Agreement.  Any amendments to this Agreement must be made in writing and duly executed by each of the parties entitled to adopt said amendment as provided in Section 7.1 or by an authorized representative or agent of each such party.  Participant hereby acknowledges and represents that he has had the opportunity to consult with independent legal counsel or other advisor of his choice and has done so regarding his rights and obligations under this Agreement, that he is entering into this Agreement knowingly, voluntarily, and of his own free will, that he is relying on his own judgment in doing so, and that he fully understands the terms and conditions contained herein.

7.7Incentive Units Subject to Partnership Agreement.  By entering into this Agreement the Participant agrees and acknowledges that (i) the Participant has received and read a copy of the Plan and the Partnership Agreement and (ii) the Incentive Units and any Class A Units acquired pursuant to the conversion of Incentive Units into Class A Units are subject to the Partnership Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.  In the event of a conflict between any term or provision contained herein and a term or provision of the Plan, the applicable terms of this Agreement will govern and prevail.  In the event of a conflict between any term or provision contained herein and a term in the Partnership Agreement, the applicable terms and provisions of the Partnership Agreement will govern and prevail (except as expressly set forth herein). Neither the adoption of the Plan nor any award made thereunder shall restrict in any way the adoption of any amendment to the Partnership Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof.  

7.8Tax Withholding.  The Participant may be required to pay to the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, and the Partnership and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates shall have the right and are hereby authorized to withhold from any payment due or transfer made under

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this Agreement or from any other amount owing to the Participant, the amount (in cash or, at the election of the Partnership, securities or other property) of any applicable federal, state, local or foreign withholding taxes in respect of an Incentive Unit or any payment or transfer under this Agreement and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the General Partner to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such taxes.

7.9Binding Effect.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their heirs, representatives, successors and permitted assigns (including Permitted Transferees to whom Units have been transferred, as applicable).

7.10Enforcement.  The failure of any party hereto to insist in one or more instances on performance by another party hereto of any obligation, condition or other term of this Agreement in strict accordance with the provisions hereof shall not be construed as a waiver of any right granted hereunder or of the future performance of any obligation, condition or other term of this Agreement in strict accordance with the provisions hereof, and no waiver with respect thereto shall be effective unless contained in a writing signed by or on behalf of the waiving party.  The remedies in this Agreement shall be cumulative and are not exclusive of any other remedies provided by law.

7.11Governing Law.  This Agreement, and any and all claims arising out of, under, pursuant to, or in any way related to this Agreement, including but not limited to any and all claims (whether sounding in contract or tort) as to this Agreement’s scope, validity, enforcement, interpretation, construction, and effect, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware (without regard to any conflict of laws rule which might result in the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction).

7.12Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement is, becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any Person or award, such provision shall be constructed or deemed amended to conform to all applicable laws, or if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the General Partner, materially altering the intent of this Agreement or the award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, Person or award and the remainder of this Agreement and any such award shall remain in full force and effect.

7.13No Contract of Employment.  Neither this Agreement nor any award granted under this Agreement shall confer upon any Person any right to employment or other service or continuance of employment or other service by the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.  This Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on any Participant or the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates any obligations to retain the Participant as an employee of the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, to change the status of the Participant’s employment, or to change the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries’ or Affiliates’ policies regarding termination of employment.

7.14Captions.  The article or section titles or captions contained in this Agreement are for convenience only and are not to be considered in the construction or interpretation of this Agreement or any provision thereof.

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7.15No Third Party Rights.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to grant rights to any Person who is not a party to this Agreement.

7.16Rule of Construction.  The parties acknowledge and agree that each has negotiated and reviewed the terms of this Agreement, assisted by such legal and tax counsel as they desired, and has contributed to its revisions.  The parties further agree that the rule of construction that a contract shall be construed against the drafter shall not be applied.  The word “including”, means “including, without limitation.”

7.17Units after Initial Public Offering.  For purposes of determining vesting after an Initial Public Offering, references to Units shall also be deemed to be references to the shares that the holder of such Units receives in respect of such Units in connection with the Initial Public Offering.

[signature page follows]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

SOVOS BRANDS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

By: Sovos Brands GP LLC, its general partner

By:/s/ Todd R. Lachman​ ​
Name: Todd R. Lachman
Its: President

PARTICIPANT

/s/ Kirk Jensen​ ​
Name: Kirk Jensen

WEIL:\97000397\2\72198.0001


Exhibit 10.3

RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), effective September 22, 2021 (the “Distribution Date”), is entered into by and among Sovos Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company”), Sovos Brands Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Partnership”), and Kirk A. Jensen (the Participant).

R E C I T A L S

WHEREAS, the Partnership holds Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (the “Shares”);

WHEREAS, as of the Distribution Date, the Participant holds Incentive Units of the Partnership that were granted pursuant to the terms of (i) an Incentive Unit Grant Agreement, dated June 4, 2018, and (ii) an Incentive Unit Grant Agreement, dated May 1, 2019, between the Participant and the Partnership (as each such agreement was amended effective as of September 8, 2021, the “Incentive Unit Grant Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, the Partnership wishes to distribute to the Participant the number of Shares set forth below, subject to certain restrictions as set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Partnership, the Company and the Participant agree as follows:

1.Distribution of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms, conditions and restrictions of this Agreement and the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Sovos Brands Limited Partnership, dated as of January 31, 2017 and as amended September 25, 2019 and June 6, 2021 (as may be further amended, amended and restated or modified from time to time (the “Partnership Agreement”), the Partnership hereby agrees to distribute to the Participant 174,988 Shares on the Distribution Date. The Participant acknowledges and agrees that such Shares are subject to certain restrictions set forth in Section 2 of this Agreement, which restrictions shall expire in accordance with the terms of Section 2 of this Agreement. While such restrictions are in effect, the Shares subject to such restrictions shall be referred to herein as Restricted Stock.

2.Vesting. The Restricted Stock shall become vested and cease to be Restricted Stock as described in this Section 2.

a.Time-Vesting.

(i)

6,008 Shares of Restricted Stock shall vest in three (3) substantially equal quarterly installments, with the first vesting date occurring on November 14, 2021, subject to the Participant’s continuous employment with the Company or one of its Subsidiaries on the applicable vesting date.  

(ii)

2,854 Shares of Restricted Stock shall vest in five (5) substantially equal quarterly installments, with the first vesting date occurring on


November 20, 2021, subject to the Participant’s continuous employment with the Company or one of its Subsidiaries on the applicable vesting date.  

(iii)

In the event of a Change in Control, the Shares of Restricted Stock that are eligible to vest pursuant to this Section 2(a) shall become fully vested immediately prior to the Change in Control, subject to the Participant’s continuous employment with the Company or one of its Subsidiaries at such time, and cease to be Restricted Stock.

b.Performance Vesting. The Shares of Restricted Stock that are eligible to vest pursuant to this Section 2(b) shall be referred to herein as “Performance Vesting Shares.”

(i)

33,856 Shares of Restricted Stock (the “Tranche 1 Performance Shares”) shall vest on any Measurement Date on which the Advent Group achieves a MOIC equal to at least two (2), subject to the Participant's continuous employment with the Company or one of its Subsidiaries through such Measurement Date. For the avoidance of doubt, the Tranche 1 Performance Units shall not vest if the Advent Group receives Advent Cash Amounts resulting in a MOIC of less than two (2).

(ii)

36,076 Shares of Restricted Stock (the “Tranche 2 Performance Shares”) shall vest on the basis of linear interpolation between the Advent Group’s achievement of a MOIC of two (2) and two and one-half (2.5) on any Measurement Date, subject to the Participant's continuous employment with the Company or one of its Subsidiaries through such Measurement Date. For the avoidance of doubt, one-hundred percent (100%) of the Tranche 2 Performance Shares shall vest if the Advent Group receives Advent Cash Amounts resulting in a MOIC of at least two and one-half (2.5).

(iii)

48,083 Shares of Restricted Stock (the “Tranche 3 Performance Shares”) shall vest on the basis of linear interpolation between the Advent Group’s achievement of a MOIC of two and one-half (2.5) and three (3) on any Measurement Date, subject to the Participant's continuous employment with the Company or one of its Subsidiaries through such Measurement Date. For the avoidance of doubt, one-hundred percent (100%) of the Tranche 3 Performance Shares shall vest if the Advent Group receives Advent Cash Amounts resulting in a MOIC of at least three (3).

(iv)

48,111 Shares of Restricted Stock (the “Tranche 4 Performance Shares”) shall vest on the basis of linear interpolation between the Advent Group’s achievement of a MOIC of three (3) and four (4) on any Measurement Date, subject to the Participant's continuous employment with the Company or one of its Subsidiaries through such


Measurement Date. For the avoidance of doubt, one-hundred percent (100%) of the Tranche 4 Performance Shares shall vest if the Advent Group receives Advent Cash Amounts resulting in a MOIC of at least four (4).

(v)

Any Performance Vesting Shares that have not vested in connection with a Change in Control (after taking into account Performance Vesting Shares that vest in connection with such Change in Control) shall be forfeited, transferred and contributed to the Partnership for no consideration following such Change in Control.

(vi)

Calculation of MOIC. The Advent Group’s MOIC shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Incentive Unit Grant Agreement, including Section 2.3(b)(vi). For the avoidance of doubt, the determination of the Advent Group’s MOIC for the purpose of determining vesting of Restricted Stock shall in all events be consistent with the determination of the Advent Group’s MOIC for the purpose of determining the vesting of Incentive Units under the Incentive Unit Grant Agreement.  

c.

Deemed Sale Events.

(i)

To the extent the Tranche 1 Performance Shares remain unvested as of the thirtieth (30th) trading day following the Effective Date, such date shall be deemed to be a Measurement Date and the Advent Group shall be deemed to sell for cash all of the Shares then held by the Advent Group at the volume-weighted average price of the Shares during the thirty (30) consecutive trading days immediately following the Effective Date (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Effective Date). The Tranche 1 Performance Shares shall vest to the extent that the Advent Group achieves a MOIC of at least two (2.0) on such Measurement Date (including, for the avoidance of doubt, all Shares deemed to be sold for cash and all prior receipts of Advent Cash Amounts). If the Advent Group does not achieve a MOIC of at least two (2.0) on such Measurement Date, the Tranche 1 Performance Shares will remain outstanding and eligible to vest in accordance with Section 2(b) and Section 2(c).

(ii)

On the earlier of (x) the thirty-month anniversary of the Effective Date and (y) the first date on which the Advent Group ceases to hold Shares representing at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the number of equity securities of the Partnership held by the Advent Group immediately prior to the Effective Date (taking into account adjustments for changes in capital structure) ((x) or (y) as applicable shall be a Measurement Date), the Advent Group shall be deemed to sell for cash all of the Shares then held by the Advent Group at the volume-weighted average price of the Shares during the thirty (30) consecutive


trading days immediately preceding such date, as applicable (a “Deemed Sale”); provided, that the Participant may elect to waive the Measurement Date described in (x) above by providing written notice to the General Partner at any time within the thirty days prior to thirty-month anniversary of the Effective Date in which event only the Measurement Date in (y) above shall apply and be a Deemed Sale with respect to such Participant. All Performance Vesting Shares shall vest on such Deemed Sale to the extent the performance conditions are satisfied and all Performance Vesting Shares that do not vest on such Deemed Sale shall be forfeited, transferred and contributed to the Partnership for no consideration immediately upon such Deemed Sale.  For the avoidance of doubt, no Performance Vesting Shares shall be forfeited on or in connection with a Measurement Date that is not a Deemed Sale or a Change in Control.

3.Defined Terms.  

a.Advent” means Advent International Corporation.

b.“Advent Cash Amounts” means, as of any Measurement Date, without duplication, the sum of the following: (i) the amount of cash distributions, cash dividends and other cash proceeds received by the Advent Group on or prior to such Measurement Date in respect of any Advent Investments, including cash proceeds received from a partial liquidation of the Partnership; (ii) the amount of cash proceeds previously received by the Advent Group from the disposition of any non-cash proceeds (including non-cash distributions) received in exchange for, or in respect of, any Advent Investments prior to such Measurement Date; and (iii) an amount equal to the fair market value, as determined by the General Partner in its reasonable good faith discretion, of Marketable Securities received by the Advent Group (other than Marketable Securities of the IPO Issuer with respect to a Measurement Date that is not a Deemed Sale or deemed Measurement Date under Section 2(c)(i)) on or before such Measurement Date with respect to, or from the sale or other disposition of, any Advent Investments (in each of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) net of any Unreimbursed Transaction Expenses). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, none of the following shall be included in the calculation of “Advent Cash Amounts”: Tax Distributions pursuant to Section 5.01(c) of the Partnership Agreement, expense reimbursement, indemnification payments or similar amounts made to the Advent Group.  For the avoidance of doubt, “Advent Cash Amounts” shall include amounts deemed to be received by Advent Group under Section 2(c).

c.Advent Group” shall mean Advent and its Affiliates.

d.Advent Investment Amount” shall mean (without duplication) all Capital Contributions made by the Advent Group and all other cash amounts invested by the Advent Group in the Partnership or the Company, whether before, at or after the Closing Date.

e.Advent Investments” shall mean, without duplication, the Advent Group’s Class A Units in the Partnership and any other investment included in the definition of Advent Investment Amount.


f.Affiliate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Partnership Agreement.

g.Capital Contribution” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Partnership Agreement.

h.Closing Date” means January 31, 2017.

i.Change in Control” shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan, as in effect on the Distribution Date and without regard to any subsequent amendment to the definition of “Change in Control” therein.

j.Effective Date” the date the Company’s Form 8-A is declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

k.General Partner” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Partnership Agreement.

l.Marketable Securities” shall mean securities that are freely tradable on an established securities market without restriction received by the Advent Group from an unrelated third party, excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, Class A Units and Shares received by the Advent Group (including Shares received in a stock split, stock dividend or similar change in capital structure) in respect of its Class A Units.

m.Measurement Date” means (i) a Change in Control and (ii) any date on which the Advent Group receives Advent Cash Amounts (and, for the avoidance of doubt, any date deemed a Measurement Date under Section 2(c)).

n.MOIC” shall mean, as of any date of determination, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the Advent Cash Amounts by (ii) the Advent Investment Amount.

o.Plan” shall mean the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.

p.Unreimbursed Transaction Costs” means all out-of-pocket reasonable legal, accounting, financial advisor, brokerage and investment banking fees paid by the Advent Group and their Affiliates, which in the event of a Deemed Sale shall be estimated by the General Partner in good faith as if there were an actual sale of securities, excluding any amounts that are paid or reimbursed by the Partnership or its Subsidiaries.

4.Restrictions on Transfer. The Participant shall not transfer, assign, encumber, pledge, charge or otherwise dispose of the Shares of Restricted Stock or grant any proxy with respect thereto, except as specifically permitted by this Agreement or by the Company. Any attempted transfer in violation of this Agreement shall be void and of no effect and the Company shall have the right to disregard the same on its books and records and to issue stop transfer instructions to its transfer agent.


5.Forfeiture; Transfer. Unless otherwise set forth in an agreement between the Participant and the Company or the Participant and the Partnership, if a Participant’s service terminates for any reason, any and all unvested Restricted Stock shall be forfeited, transferred and contributed to the Partnership for no consideration immediately upon such termination. The provisions in Section 13 of the Plan regarding Forfeiture shall apply to the Shares, except that Section 13.2(a)(ii) and Section 13.3(a) shall not apply to the Participant’s Shares that are subject to this Agreement.

6.Rights as a Holder of Restricted Stock. From and after the Distribution Date, the Participant shall have, with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock, all of the rights of a holder of Shares, including, without limitation, the right to vote the Shares, to receive and retain all regular cash dividends payable to holders of Shares of record on and after the Distribution Date, and to exercise all other rights, powers and privileges of a holder of Shares with respect to the Restricted Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (athe Participant shall not be entitled to delivery of the stock certificate or certificates representing the Restricted Stock until such Shares are no longer Restricted Stock; (b) if applicable, the Company (or its designated agent) will maintain custody of the stock certificate or certificates representing the Restricted Stock and any other property (“RS Property) issued in respect of the Restricted Stock, including stock dividends, at all times such Shares are Restricted Stock; (c) if cash dividends are paid with respect to the Restricted Stock, such dividends shall be subject to the same vesting terms as the Restricted Stock, and shall be paid or delivered only when the Restricted Stock vests; (d) no RS Property will bear interest or be segregated in separate accounts; and (e) the Participant shall not, directly or indirectly, transfer the Restricted Stock in any manner whatsoever.

7.Section 83(b) Election; Taxes. Within thirty (30) days following the Distribution Date, the Participant shall timely and properly file an election under Section 83(b) of the Code with respect to the Restricted Stock. The Participant acknowledges that it is his or her sole responsibility, and not the Companys or the Partnership’s, to timely and properly file an election under Section 83(b) of the Code, and any corresponding provisions of state tax laws. If the Participant does not timely and properly file and election under Section 83(b) of the Code, the Participant acknowledges that (a) no later than the date on which any Restricted Stock shall have become vested, the Participant shall pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding payment of, any federal, state or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to any Restricted Stock which shall have become so vested and (b) the Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant any Federal, state or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to any Restricted Stock which shall have become so vested, including that the Company may, but shall not be required to, sell a number of Shares sufficient to cover applicable withholding taxes. The Company may hold as security any certificates representing any Shares and, upon demand of the Company, the Participant shall deliver to the Company any certificates in his or her possession representing Shares together with a stock power duly endorsed in blank.

8.Legend.

a.In the event that a certificate evidencing Restricted Stock is issued, the certificate representing the Shares shall have endorsed thereon the following legends:


THE   ANTICIPATION,   ALIENATION,   ATTACHMENT,   SALE, TRANSFER, ASSIGNMENT, PLEDGE, ENCUMBRANCE OR CHARGE OF THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AN AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BETWEEN THE REGISTERED OWNER, THE PARTNERSHIP AND THE COMPANY EFFECTIVE AS OF THE DISTRIBUTION DATE. COPIES OF SUCH AGREEMENT ARE ON FILE AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE COMPANY.

b.In addition to the legend set forth in Section 8(a) and above, until registered under the Securities Act, each certificate representing Shares of Restricted Stock shall be endorsed with a legend in substantially the following form:

"THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. SUCH SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED WITHOUT SUCH REGISTRATION, EXCEPT UPON DELIVERY TO THE COMPANY OF SUCH EVIDENCE AS MAYBE SATISFACTORY TO COUNSEL FOR THE COMPANY TO THE EFFECT THAT ANY SUCH TRANSFER SHALL NOT BE IN VIOLATION OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR ANY RULE OR REGULATION PROMULGATED THEREUNDER."

Any legend required to be placed thereon by applicable blue sky laws of any state. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Company be obligated to issue a certificate representing the Restricted Stock prior to vesting as set forth in Section 2 hereof.

9.Securities Representations. The Shares are being distributed to the Participant and this Agreement is being made in reliance upon the following express representations and warranties of the Participant. The Participant acknowledges, represents and warrants that: (a) the Participant has been advised that the Participant may be an affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and the Company is relying in part on the Participant’s representations set forth in this Section 9; (b) if the Participant is deemed an affiliate within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, the Shares must be held indefinitely by the Participant unless an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available for the resale of such Shares or the Company files an additional registration statement (or a “re-offer prospectus) with regard to the resale of such Shares and the Company is under no obligation to register the resale of the Shares (or to file a “re-offer prospectus); (c) if the Participant is deemed an affiliate within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, the Participant understands that the exemption from registration under Rule 144 will not be available under current law unless (i) a public trading market then exists for the Shares, (ii) adequate information concerning the Company is then available to the public, and (iii) other terms and conditions of Rule 144 or any exemption therefrom are complied with and that any sale of the Shares may be made only in limited amounts in accordance with such terms and conditions; and (d) the Participant is either, as indicated by the Participant on Exhibit A, (i) an “accredited investor” as such term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated


under the Securities Act, as amended from time to time or (ii) not an accredited investor, and has (or, in the case of a trust, the trustee has), by itself or through a “purchaser representative” within the meaning of Rule 501(i) under Regulation D of the Securities Act, such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of his, her or its investment in the Shares, and the Participant is capable of bearing the economic risks of such investment and is able to bear the complete loss of his, her or its investment in the Shares.  

10.Not an Employment or Service Agreement. Neither the execution of this Agreement nor the issuance of the Shares hereunder constitute an agreement by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to employ or retain or to continue to employ or retain the Participant during the entire, or any portion of, the term of this Agreement, including but not limited to any period during which any Shares are outstanding.

11.Power of Attorney. The Partnership and the Company and their respective successors and assigns, are hereby appointed the attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, of the Participant for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Agreement and taking any action and executing any instruments which such attorney-in-fact may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes hereof, which appointment as attorney-in-fact is irrevocable and coupled with an interest. The Company and the Partnership, as attorney-in-fact for the Participant, may in the name and stead of the Participant, make and execute all conveyances, assignments and transfers of the Restricted Stock, other RS Property, Shares and property provided for herein, and the Participant hereby ratifies and confirms that which the Company or the Partnership, as said attorney-in-fact, shall do by virtue hereof. Nevertheless, the Participant shall, if so requested by the Company or the Partnership, execute and deliver to the Company or the Partnership all such instruments as may, in the judgment of the Company or the Partnership, be advisable for this purpose.

12.Miscellaneous.

a.This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal legal representatives, successors, trustees, administrators, distributees, devisees and legatees. The Company may assign to, and require, any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company or any affiliate to which the Participant provides services to expressly assume and agree in writing to perform this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant may not assign this Agreement other than with respect to Shares transferred in compliance with the terms hereof.

b.This distribution of Restricted Stock shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Board or stockholders of the Company to make or authorize an adjustment, recapitalization or other change in the capital structure or the business of the Company, any merger or consolidation of the Company or subsidiaries, any issue of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the Common Stock, the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, any sale or transfer of all or part of its assets or business or any other corporate act or proceeding.
c.The Participant agrees that any other RS Property will not be taken into account as salary or compensation or bonus in determining the amount of any payment under any pension, retirement or profit-sharing plan of the Company or any life insurance, disability or other benefit plan of the Company.

d.No modification or waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be


effective unless in writing and signed by the party against whom it is sought to be enforced.

e.This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one contract.

f.The failure of any party hereto at any time to require performance by another party of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the right of such party to require performance of that provision, and any waiver by any party of any breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any continuing or succeeding breach of such provision, a waiver of the provision itself, or a waiver of any right under this Agreement.

g.The headings of the sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall in no way restrict or modify any of the terms or provisions hereof.

h.All notices, consents, requests, approvals, instructions and other communications provided  for herein shall be in writing and validly given or made when delivered, or on the third succeeding business  day after being mailed by registered or certified mail, whichever is earlier, to the persons entitled or required to receive the same, at the addresses set forth at the heading of this Agreement or to such other address as either party may designate by like notice. Notices to the Company shall be addressed to the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Sovos Brands, Inc. c/o Corporate Secretary at Sovos Brands, Inc., 1901 Fourth Street, #200, Berkeley, CA 94710, with a copy to General Counsel, Sovos Brands, Inc. 1901 Fourth St #200 Berkeley, CA 94710. Notices to the Participant shall be addressed to the address on file with the Company’s payroll department, or such address as subsequently provided by the Participant.

i.This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted and governed and the legal relationships of the parties determined in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware without reference to rules relating to conflicts of law.

12.Provisions of Plan Control. Although the Restricted Stock subject to this Agreement is not granted under the Plan and the Shares are not registered on a Form S-8, except as expressly provided herein, the Agreement is subject to all the terms, conditions and provisions of the Plan mutatis mutandis, including, without limitation, Section 16.2 (Amendment and Termination) thereof, and to such rules, regulations and interpretations relating to the Plan as may be adopted by the Committee and as may be in effect from time to time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may not be amended or terminated without the prior written consent of the Participant.  The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. A copy of the Plan has been delivered to the Participant. If and to the extent that this Agreement expressly conflicts with the terms, conditions and provisions of the Plan, this Agreement shall control. Unless otherwise indicated, any capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Plan or the Incentive Unit Grant Agreement, as applicable. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof (other than any other documents expressly contemplated herein or in the Plan) and supersedes any prior agreements between the Company and the Participant or between the Partnership and the Participant other than the Incentive Unit Grant Agreement.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

Sovos Brands, Inc.

/s/ Todd Lachman

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By: Todd Lachman

Title: President and CEO

Sovos Brands Limited Partnership

/s/ Todd Lachman

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By: Todd Lachman

Title: Authorized Signatory


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

Participant

/s/ Kirk Jensen

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Name: Kirk Jensen


Exhibit 10.4

NOTICE OF MODIFICATION OF VESTING TERMS

OF RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

Background

Sovos Brands, Inc. (the “Company”), Sovos Brands Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Partnership”) and Kirk Jensen (“you” or the “Participant”) previously entered into that certain Restricted Stock Agreement, effective September 22, 2021 (the “Restricted Stock Agreement”), pursuant to which shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (the “Shares”) were distributed to you. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement.

The Company and the Partnership approved a modification to the vesting terms applicable to 25,104 Shares of your Tranche 4 Performance Shares (such Shares, the “Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares”) in order to allow such Shares to be eligible to vest earlier than they otherwise may have vested under the terms of the Restricted Stock Agreement.

Modification

As a result of the modification, fifty-percent (50%) of the Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole Share, if applicable) are eligible to vest on the last day of fiscal year 2022 and fifty-percent of the Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares (rounded up to the nearest whole Share, if applicable) are eligible to vest on the last day of fiscal year 2023, in each case, subject to your continued employment with or service to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries on the applicable vesting date (the “Time-Vesting Conditions”).

In addition to the Time-Vesting Conditions described above, the Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares will remain eligible to vest in accordance with the performance criteria set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement; provided, that (i) any Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares that satisfy the Time-Vesting Conditions shall reduce the number of Tranche 4 Performance Shares that are eligible to performance-vest in accordance with Section 2(b)(iv) of the Restricted Stock and (ii) any Tranche 4 Performance Shares that performance-vest in accordance with Section 2(b)(iv) of the Restricted Stock Agreement shall reduce the number of Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares that are eligible to vest in accordance with the Time-Vesting Conditions, with the Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares eligible to vest earlier in time in accordance with the Time-Vesting Conditions reduced first.

Notwithstanding anything in the Restricted Stock Agreement to the contrary, upon a Change in Control, any unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares shall remain eligible to vest solely upon achievement of the Time-Vesting Conditions, and upon termination of your employment with or service to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries by you for Good Reason, by the Company without Cause or due to your death or Disability, in each case, upon or following a Change in Control, any unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares shall fully vest as of the date of your termination. The terms “Cause” and “Disability” shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan and, if applicable, the term “Good Reason” shall have the meaning set forth in your Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated September 23, 2021 (if any).


Any obligation of the Company to cause any Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares to vest as a result of your termination of employment or service (other than termination due to your death or Disability) is conditioned upon your execution and delivery to the Company of a general release of claims in a form provided by the Company that includes a general release and waiver of claims in favor of the Company, and its current, former, and future subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, benefit plans, trustees, and others identified therein.

This modification shall be binding on the Company and the Partnership and all references in the Restricted Stock Agreement to “Agreement” and any other references of similar import shall hereinafter refer to the Restricted Stock Agreement as modified herein.

Sovos Brands, Inc.

/s/ Todd R. Lachman

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By: Todd R. Lachman

Title: Chief Executive Officer

Sovos Brands Limited Partnership

/s/ Todd R. Lachman

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By: Todd R. Lachman

Title: Authorized Signatory

SET/Consultants Version


Exhibit 10.5

Graphic

NOTICE OF MODIFICATION OF VESTING TERMS

OF RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

Background

Sovos Brands, Inc. (“Company”), Sovos Brands Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (“Partnership”) and [________] (“you” or “Participant”) previously entered into that certain Restricted Stock Agreement, effective September 22, 2021 (“Restricted Stock Agreement”), pursuant to which shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (“Shares”) were distributed to you. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement.

The Company and the Partnership approved a modification to the vesting terms applicable to [____] Shares of your Tranche 3 Performance Shares (“Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares”) and [____] Shares of your Tranche 4 Performance Shares (“Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares” and, collectively with the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares, the “Additional Time-Vesting Shares”) in order to allow such Shares to be eligible to vest earlier than they otherwise may have vested under the terms of the Restricted Stock Agreement.  This modification is in addition to, and does not affect, the modification made to the vesting terms of your Tranche 4 Performance Shares in November 2021.

Modification

As a result of the modification, fifty-percent (50%) of each of the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole Share, if applicable) are eligible to vest on September 23, 2024 and the remaining fifty-percent (50%) of each of the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares (rounded up to the nearest whole Share, if applicable) are eligible to vest on September 23, 2025, in each case, subject to your continued employment with or service to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries on the applicable vesting date (“Time-Vesting Conditions”).

In addition to the Time-Vesting Conditions described above, the Additional Time-Vesting Shares will remain eligible to vest in accordance with the performance criteria set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement; provided, that (i) any Additional Time-Vesting Shares that satisfy the Time-Vesting Conditions shall reduce the number of Tranche 3 Performance Shares and Tranche 4 Performance Shares that are eligible to performance-vest in accordance with Section 2(b)(iii) and Section 2(b)(iv), as applicable, of the Restricted Stock Agreement, (ii) any Tranche 3 Performance Shares or Tranche 4 Performance Shares that performance-vest in accordance with Section 2(b)(iii) or Section 2(b)(iv) of the Restricted Stock Agreement shall reduce the number of Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares or Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares that are eligible to vest in accordance with the Time-Vesting Conditions, as applicable, with the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares, as applicable, eligible to vest earlier in time in accordance with the Time-Vesting Conditions reduced first and (iii) any Additional Time-Vesting Shares that do not vest in connection with a Deemed Sale under Section 2(c)(ii) of the Restricted Stock Agreement shall not be forfeited, transferred and


contributed to the Partnership for no consideration, but instead shall remain eligible to vest in accordance with the terms of this “Notice of Modification”.

Notwithstanding anything in the Restricted Stock Agreement to the contrary, upon a Change in Control, any unvested Additional Time-Vesting Shares shall remain outstanding and eligible to vest solely upon achievement of the Time-Vesting Conditions, and upon termination of your employment with or service to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries by you for Good Reason, by the Company without Cause or due to your death or Disability, in each case, upon or following a Change in Control, any unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares shall fully vest as of the date of your termination.

[For executive officers (other than CEO and CFO): Notwithstanding anything in the Restricted Stock Agreement to the contrary, upon termination of your employment with or service to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries by you for Good Reason, by the Company without Cause or due to your death or Disability, in each case, prior to Change in Control, a pro-rata number of the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares shall vest on the date of the your termination based on a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days from the Distribution Date until the date of your termination, and the denominator of which is the total number of days from the Distribution Date until the date the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares, as applicable, would have satisfied the applicable Time Vesting Condition. Any unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares that do not vest as a result of the preceding sentence will be forfeited immediately, automatically and without consideration on the date of your termination.]

[For CFO: Notwithstanding anything in the Restricted Stock Agreement to the contrary, upon termination of your employment with or service to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries by you for Good Reason, by the Company without Cause or due to your death or Disability, in each case, prior to Change in Control, a pro-rata number of the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares shall vest on the date of your termination based on a fraction, the numerator of which is the sum of (i) the number of days from the Distribution Date until the date of your termination, plus (ii) 365 days, and the denominator of which is the total number of days from the Distribution Date until the date the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares would have satisfied the applicable Time Vesting Condition. Any unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares that do not vest as a result of the preceding sentence will be forfeited immediately, automatically and without consideration on the date of your termination.]

[For CEO: Notwithstanding anything in the Restricted Stock Agreement to the contrary, upon termination of your employment with or service to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries by you for Good Reason, by the Company without Cause or due to the your death or Disability, in each case, prior to Change in Control, all Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares shall vest on the date of your termination.]

2


[For Board: Notwithstanding anything in the Restricted Stock Agreement to the contrary, upon termination of your employment with or service to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries due to your death or Disability, in each case, prior to Change in Control, all Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares shall vest on the date of your termination.]

The terms “Cause” and “Disability” shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan and the term “Good Reason” shall have the meaning set forth in your Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated September 23, 2021 (if any).

Any obligation of the Company to cause any Additional Time-Vesting Shares to vest as a result of your termination of employment or service (other than termination due to your death or Disability) is conditioned upon (i) your execution and delivery to the Company of a general release of claims in a form provided by the Company that includes (x) a general release and waiver of claims in favor of the Company, and its current, former, and future subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, benefit plans, trustees, and others identified therein, and (y) solely with respect to a termination of Service (as defined in the Plan) that occurs prior to a Change in Control, on a case-by-case basis as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions in favor of the Company in a form provided by the Company, which shall be enforced during the severance period applicable to the Participant under the Company’s applicable severance plan (or six (6) months following the date of termination of the Participant’s Service if no such severance plan is applicable) (such release agreement, the “Release Agreement”), and (ii) such Release Agreement becoming fully effective and irrevocable by the date specified therein, but in no event more than sixty (60) days following the date of termination of the Participant’s Service (“Release Period”).1

1 For members of the Board of Directors, omit this paragraph.

3


This modification shall be binding on the Company and the Partnership and all references in the Restricted Stock Agreement to “Agreement” and any other references of similar import shall hereinafter refer to the Restricted Stock Agreement as modified herein.

Sovos Brands, Inc.

Graphic

By: Todd R. Lachman

Title: Chief Executive Officer

Sovos Brands Limited Partnership

Graphic

By: Todd R. Lachman

Title: Authorized Signatory

4


Exhibit 10.6

NOTICE OF MODIFICATION OF VESTING TERMS

OF RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

Background

Sovos Brands, Inc. (“Company”), Sovos Brands Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (“Partnership”), Todd R. Lachman (“you” or the “Service Provider”) and Christine R. Lachman and The St. Louis Trust Company, as trustees of the Todd Lachman 2021 Family Trust (the “Trust” and collectively with the Service Provider, the “Participants”) entered into that certain Restricted Stock Agreement, effective September 22, 2021 (“Restricted Stock Agreement”), pursuant to which shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (“Shares”) were distributed to the Participants. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement.

The Company and the Partnership approved a modification to the vesting terms applicable to 168,457 Shares (including 33,691 Shares held by the Trust) of the Participants’ Tranche 3 Performance Shares (“Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares”) and 90,767 Shares (including 6,953 Shares held by the Trust) of the Participants’ Tranche 4 Performance Shares (“Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares” and, collectively with the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares, the “Additional Time-Vesting Shares”) in order to allow such Shares to be eligible to vest earlier than they otherwise may have vested under the terms of the Restricted Stock Agreement.  This modification is in addition to, and does not affect, the modification made to the vesting terms of the Participants’ Tranche 4 Performance Shares in November 2021.

Modification

As a result of the modification, fifty-percent (50%) of each of the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole Share, if applicable) are eligible to vest on September 23, 2024 and the remaining fifty-percent (50%) of each of the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares (rounded up to the nearest whole Share, if applicable) are eligible to vest on September 23, 2025, in each case, subject to your continued employment with or service to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries on the applicable vesting date (“Time-Vesting Conditions”).

In addition to the Time-Vesting Conditions described above, the Additional Time-Vesting Shares will remain eligible to vest in accordance with the performance criteria set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement; provided, that (i) any Additional Time-Vesting Shares that satisfy the Time-Vesting Conditions shall reduce the number of Tranche 3 Performance Shares and Tranche 4 Performance Shares that are eligible to performance-vest in accordance with Section 2(b)(iii) and Section 2(b)(iv), as applicable, of the Restricted Stock Agreement, (ii) any Tranche 3 Performance Shares or Tranche 4 Performance Shares that performance-vest in accordance with Section 2(b)(iii) or Section 2(b)(iv) of the Restricted Stock Agreement shall reduce the number of Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares or Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares that are eligible to vest in accordance with the Time-Vesting Conditions, as applicable, with the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares, as applicable, eligible to vest earlier in time in


accordance with the Time-Vesting Conditions reduced first and (iii) any Additional Time-Vesting Shares that do not vest in connection with a Deemed Sale under Section 2(c)(ii) of the Restricted Stock Agreement shall not be forfeited, transferred and contributed to the Partnership for no consideration, but instead shall remain eligible to vest in accordance with the terms of this “Notice of Modification”.

Notwithstanding anything in the Restricted Stock Agreement to the contrary, upon a Change in Control, any unvested Additional Time-Vesting Shares shall remain outstanding and eligible to vest solely upon achievement of the Time-Vesting Conditions, and upon termination of your employment with or service to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries by you for Good Reason, by the Company without Cause or due to your death or Disability, in each case, upon or following a Change in Control, any unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares shall fully vest as of the date of your termination.

Notwithstanding anything in the Restricted Stock Agreement to the contrary, upon termination of your employment with or service to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries by you for Good Reason, by the Company without Cause or due to your death or Disability, in each case, prior to Change in Control, all Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares shall vest on the date of your termination.

The terms “Cause” and “Disability” shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan and the term “Good Reason” shall have the meaning set forth in your Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated September 23, 2021 (if any).

Any obligation of the Company to cause any Additional Time-Vesting Shares to vest as a result of your termination of employment or service (other than termination due to your death or Disability) is conditioned upon (i) your execution and delivery to the Company of a general release of claims in a form provided by the Company that includes (x) a general release and waiver of claims in favor of the Company, and its current, former, and future subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, benefit plans, trustees, and others identified therein, and (y) solely with respect to a termination of Service (as defined in the Plan) that occurs prior to a Change in Control, on a case-by-case basis as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions in favor of the Company in a form provided by the Company, which shall be enforced during the severance period applicable to the Participant under the Company’s applicable severance plan (or six (6) months following the date of termination of the Participant’s Service if no such severance plan is applicable) (such release agreement, the “Release Agreement”), and (ii) such Release Agreement becoming fully effective and irrevocable by the date specified therein, but in no event more than sixty (60) days following the date of termination of the Participant’s Service (“Release Period”).

2


This modification shall be binding on the Company and the Partnership and all references in the Restricted Stock Agreement to “Agreement” and any other references of similar import shall hereinafter refer to the Restricted Stock Agreement as modified herein.

Sovos Brands, Inc.

Graphic

Graphic

By: Todd R. Lachman

Title: Chief Executive Officer

Sovos Brands Limited Partnership

Graphic

Graphic

By: Todd R. Lachman

Title: Authorized Signatory

3


Exhibit 10.7

NOTICE OF MODIFICATION OF VESTING TERMS

OF RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

Background

Sovos Brands, Inc. (“Company”), Sovos Brands Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (“Partnership”) and Kirk Jensen (“you” or “Participant”) previously entered into that certain Restricted Stock Agreement, effective September 22, 2021 (“Restricted Stock Agreement”), pursuant to which shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (“Shares”) were distributed to you. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement.

The Company and the Partnership approved a modification to the vesting terms applicable to 24,041 Shares of your Tranche 3 Performance Shares (“Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares”) and 11,503 Shares of your Tranche 4 Performance Shares (“Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares” and, collectively with the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares, the “Additional Time-Vesting Shares”) in order to allow such Shares to be eligible to vest earlier than they otherwise may have vested under the terms of the Restricted Stock Agreement.  This modification is in addition to, and does not affect, the modification made to the vesting terms of your Tranche 4 Performance Shares in November 2021.

Modification

As a result of the modification, fifty-percent (50%) of each of the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole Share, if applicable) are eligible to vest on September 23, 2024 and the remaining fifty-percent (50%) of each of the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares (rounded up to the nearest whole Share, if applicable) are eligible to vest on September 23, 2025, in each case, subject to your continued employment with or service to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries on the applicable vesting date (“Time-Vesting Conditions”).

In addition to the Time-Vesting Conditions described above, the Additional Time-Vesting Shares will remain eligible to vest in accordance with the performance criteria set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement; provided, that (i) any Additional Time-Vesting Shares that satisfy the Time-Vesting Conditions shall reduce the number of Tranche 3 Performance Shares and Tranche 4 Performance Shares that are eligible to performance-vest in accordance with Section 2(b)(iii) and Section 2(b)(iv), as applicable, of the Restricted Stock Agreement, (ii) any Tranche 3 Performance Shares or Tranche 4 Performance Shares that performance-vest in accordance with Section 2(b)(iii) or Section 2(b)(iv) of the Restricted Stock Agreement shall reduce the number of Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares or Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares that are eligible to vest in accordance with the Time-Vesting Conditions, as applicable, with the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares, as applicable, eligible to vest earlier in time in accordance with the Time-Vesting Conditions reduced first and (iii) any Additional Time-Vesting Shares that do not vest in connection with a Deemed Sale under Section 2(c)(ii) of the Restricted Stock Agreement shall not be forfeited, transferred and contributed to the


Partnership for no consideration, but instead shall remain eligible to vest in accordance with the terms of this “Notice of Modification”.

Notwithstanding anything in the Restricted Stock Agreement to the contrary, upon a Change in Control, any unvested Additional Time-Vesting Shares shall remain outstanding and eligible to vest solely upon achievement of the Time-Vesting Conditions, and upon termination of your employment with or service to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries by you for Good Reason, by the Company without Cause or due to your death or Disability, in each case, upon or following a Change in Control, any unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares shall fully vest as of the date of your termination.

Notwithstanding anything in the Restricted Stock Agreement to the contrary, upon termination of your employment with or service to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries by you for Good Reason, by the Company without Cause or due to your death or Disability, in each case, prior to Change in Control, a pro-rata number of the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares shall vest on the date of the your termination based on a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days from the Distribution Date until the date of your termination, and the denominator of which is the total number of days from the Distribution Date until the date the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares, as applicable, would have satisfied the applicable Time Vesting Condition. Any unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares that do not vest as a result of the preceding sentence will be forfeited immediately, automatically and without consideration on the date of your termination.

The terms “Cause” and “Disability” shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan and the term “Good Reason” shall have the meaning set forth in your Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated September 23, 2021 (if any).

Any obligation of the Company to cause any Additional Time-Vesting Shares to vest as a result of your termination of employment or service (other than termination due to your death or Disability) is conditioned upon (i) your execution and delivery to the Company of a general release of claims in a form provided by the Company that includes (x) a general release and waiver of claims in favor of the Company, and its current, former, and future subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, benefit plans, trustees, and others identified therein, and (y) solely with respect to a termination of Service (as defined in the Plan) that occurs prior to a Change in Control, on a case-by-case basis as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions in favor of the Company in a form provided by the Company, which shall be enforced during the severance period applicable to the Participant under the Company’s applicable severance plan (or six (6) months following the date of termination of the Participant’s Service if no such severance plan is applicable) (such release agreement, the “Release Agreement”), and (ii) such Release Agreement becoming fully effective and irrevocable by the date specified therein, but in no event more than sixty (60) days following the date of termination of the Participant’s Service (“Release Period”).

2


This modification shall be binding on the Company and the Partnership and all references in the Restricted Stock Agreement to “Agreement” and any other references of similar import shall hereinafter refer to the Restricted Stock Agreement as modified herein.

Sovos Brands, Inc.

Graphic

Graphic

By: Todd R. Lachman

Title: Chief Executive Officer

Sovos Brands Limited Partnership

Graphic

Graphic

By: Todd R. Lachman

Title: Authorized Signatory

3


Exhibit 10.8

NOTICE OF MODIFICATION OF VESTING TERMS

OF RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

Background

Sovos Brands, Inc. (“Company”), Sovos Brands Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (“Partnership”) and William R. Johnson (“you” or “Participant”) previously entered into that certain Restricted Stock Agreement, effective September 22, 2021 (“Restricted Stock Agreement”), pursuant to which shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (“Shares”) were distributed to you. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement.

The Company and the Partnership approved a modification to the vesting terms applicable to 45,958 Shares of your Tranche 3 Performance Shares (“Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares”) and 17,186 Shares of your Tranche 4 Performance Shares (“Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares” and, collectively with the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares, the “Additional Time-Vesting Shares”) in order to allow such Shares to be eligible to vest earlier than they otherwise may have vested under the terms of the Restricted Stock Agreement.  This modification is in addition to, and does not affect, the modification made to the vesting terms of your Tranche 4 Performance Shares in November 2021.

Modification

As a result of the modification, fifty-percent (50%) of each of the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole Share, if applicable) are eligible to vest on September 23, 2024 and the remaining fifty-percent (50%) of each of the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares (rounded up to the nearest whole Share, if applicable) are eligible to vest on September 23, 2025, in each case, subject to your continued employment with or service to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries on the applicable vesting date (“Time-Vesting Conditions”).

In addition to the Time-Vesting Conditions described above, the Additional Time-Vesting Shares will remain eligible to vest in accordance with the performance criteria set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement; provided, that (i) any Additional Time-Vesting Shares that satisfy the Time-Vesting Conditions shall reduce the number of Tranche 3 Performance Shares and Tranche 4 Performance Shares that are eligible to performance-vest in accordance with Section 2(b)(iii) and Section 2(b)(iv), as applicable, of the Restricted Stock Agreement, (ii) any Tranche 3 Performance Shares or Tranche 4 Performance Shares that performance-vest in accordance with Section 2(b)(iii) or Section 2(b)(iv) of the Restricted Stock Agreement shall reduce the number of Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares or Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares that are eligible to vest in accordance with the Time-Vesting Conditions, as applicable, with the Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares, as applicable, eligible to vest earlier in time in accordance with the Time-Vesting Conditions reduced first and (iii) any Additional Time-Vesting Shares that do not vest in connection with a Deemed Sale under Section 2(c)(ii) of the Restricted Stock Agreement shall not be forfeited, transferred and contributed to the


Partnership for no consideration, but instead shall remain eligible to vest in accordance with the terms of this “Notice of Modification”.

Notwithstanding anything in the Restricted Stock Agreement to the contrary, upon a Change in Control, any unvested Additional Time-Vesting Shares shall remain outstanding and eligible to vest solely upon achievement of the Time-Vesting Conditions, and upon termination of your employment with or service to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries by you for Good Reason, by the Company without Cause or due to your death or Disability, in each case, upon or following a Change in Control, any unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and unvested Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares shall fully vest as of the date of your termination.

Notwithstanding anything in the Restricted Stock Agreement to the contrary, upon termination of your employment with or service to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries due to your death or Disability, in each case, prior to Change in Control, all Time-Vesting Tranche 3 Shares and Time-Vesting Tranche 4 Shares shall vest on the date of your termination.

The terms “Cause” and “Disability” shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan and the term “Good Reason” shall have the meaning set forth in your Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated September 23, 2021 (if any).

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This modification shall be binding on the Company and the Partnership and all references in the Restricted Stock Agreement to “Agreement” and any other references of similar import shall hereinafter refer to the Restricted Stock Agreement as modified herein.

Sovos Brands, Inc.

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By: Todd R. Lachman

Title: Chief Executive Officer

Sovos Brands Limited Partnership

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By: Todd R. Lachman

Title: Authorized Signatory

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Exhibit 10.9

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NOTICE OF MODIFICATION OF VESTING ELIGIBILITY

OF YOUR

PERFORMANCE-BASED RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

Background

Sovos Brands, Inc. (“Company”) and [________] (“you” or “Participant”) previously entered into that certain Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, effective [September 23, 2021]1 (“PSU Agreement”), pursuant to which PSUs (as defined in the PSU Agreement) were granted to you. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the PSU Agreement.

Your PSUs are generally eligible to vest on the third anniversary of the Date of Grant, with the number of vested PSUs determined based on the highest 20-day volume weighted average stock price achieved by the Company during such three-year period as compared to the Company’s volume weighted average stock price during the 20 consecutive trading days immediately following our IPO (the “baseline stock price”), with 25% of your PSUs vesting upon achievement of a stock price increase of 25% over the baseline stock price and 100% of your PSUs vesting upon achievement of a stock price increase of 100% over the baseline stock price, with linear interpolation between thresholds. Vesting is subject to your continued Service until the third anniversary of the Date of Grant, with certain exceptions.

We are pleased to inform you that the Company has approved a modification to the vesting eligibility of your PSUs in order to allow your unvested PSUs to remain eligible to time-vest in the event the stock price target is not achieved prior to the third anniversary the Date of Grant. Absent this modification, your unvested PSUs would be forfeited on the third anniversary of the Date of Grant.

Modification

As a result of the modification, fifty-percent (50%) of your PSUs (rounded down to the nearest whole number, if applicable) are eligible to vest on September 23, 2024 and the remaining fifty-percent (50%) of your PSUs (rounded up to the nearest whole number, if applicable) are eligible to vest on September 23, 2025, in each case, subject to your continued Service on the applicable vesting date (“Time-Vesting Conditions”).

Notwithstanding anything in the PSU Agreement to the contrary, upon termination of your Service by the Company without Cause, by you for Good Reason, or due to your death or Disability, in each case, upon or following a Change in Control, all PSUs shall vest on the date of your termination.

[For Executive Officers (ex CFO and CEO): Notwithstanding anything in the PSU Agreement to the contrary, upon termination of your Service by the Company without Cause, by you for Good Reason, or due to your death or Disability, in each case, prior to a Change in Control, a pro-rata number of PSUs shall vest on the date of your termination as follows:

1 For Mr. Hermida: October 24, 2022


If your termination occurs prior to September 23, 2024, the number of vested PSUs shall be equal to the sum of (i) fifty percent (50%) of your total PSUs multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days from the Date of Grant until the date of your termination, and the denominator of which is the total number of days from the Date of Grant until the third anniversary of the Date of Grant, plus (ii) fifty percent (50%) of your total PSUs multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days from the Date of Grant until the date of your termination, and the denominator of which is the total number of days from the Date of Grant until the fourth anniversary of the Date of Grant.
If your termination occurs on or following September 23, 2024, the number of vested PSUs shall be equal to fifty percent (50%) of your total PSUs multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days from the Date of Grant until the date of your termination, and the denominator of which is the total number of days from the Date of Grant until the fourth anniversary of the Date of Grant.]

[For CFO: Notwithstanding anything in the PSU Agreement to the contrary, upon termination of your Service by the Company without Cause, by you for Good Reason, or due to your death or Disability, in each case, prior to a Change in Control, a pro-rata number of PSUs shall vest on the date of your termination as follows:

If your termination occurs prior to September 23, 2024, the number of vested PSUs shall be equal to the sum of (i) fifty percent (50%) of your total PSUs multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days from the Date of Grant until the date of your termination plus 365 days, and the denominator of which is the total number of days from the Date of Grant until the third anniversary of the Date of Grant; provided, that in no event shall such fraction exceed one (1), plus (ii) fifty percent (50%) of your total PSUs multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days from the Date of Grant until the date of your termination plus 365 days, and the denominator of which is the total number of days from the Date of Grant until the fourth anniversary of the Date of Grant; provided, that in no event shall such fraction exceed one (1).
If your termination occurs on or following September 23, 2024, the number of vested PSUs shall be equal to fifty percent (50%) of your total PSUs multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days from the Date of Grant until the date of your termination plus 365 days, and the denominator of which is the total number of days from the Date of Grant until the fourth anniversary of the Date of Grant; provided, that in no event shall such fraction exceed one (1).]


[For CEO: Notwithstanding anything in the PSU Agreement to the contrary, upon termination of your Service by you for Good Reason, by the Company without Cause or due to your death or Disability, in each case, prior to a Change in Control, all PSUs shall vest on the date of your termination.]

Any obligation of the Company to deliver to you shares of Common Stock in respect of PSUs that have vested as a result of your termination of employment or service (other than termination due to your death or Disability) is conditioned upon (i) your execution and delivery to the Company of a Release Agreement and (ii) such Release Agreement becoming fully effective and irrevocable by the end of the Release Period.

The PSUs will continue to be eligible to vest in accordance with the original terms of your PSU Agreement (without regard to this modification). Any PSUs that vest in accordance with the original terms of your PSU Agreement (without regard to this modification) shall reduce the number of PSUs that are eligible to vest in accordance with vesting terms described in this “Notice of Modification”.  The modification to your PSUs shall not defer the vesting or settlement of your PSUs beyond the date on which such PSUs would have otherwise vested and settled in accordance with the terms of your PSU Agreement (without regard to this modification). Therefore, to the extent your PSUs become vested in accordance with the terms your PSU Agreement (without regard to this modification), such PSUs shall be treated as vested and shall be settled in accordance with the terms of your PSU Agreement (without regard to this modification). Any PSUs that do not vest in accordance with the original terms of your PSU Agreement (without regard to this modification) shall not be forfeited, but instead shall remain eligible to vest in accordance with the terms of this “Notice of Modification”.

This modification shall be binding on the Company and all references in the PSU Agreement to “Agreement” and any other references of similar import shall hereinafter refer to the PSU Agreement as modified herein, except as otherwise described herein.

Sovos Brands, Inc.

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By: Todd R. Lachman

Title: Chief Executive Officer


Exhibit 10.10

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April 29, 2018

Mr. Kirk Jensen

Dear Kirk,

I am excited to extend an offer of employment with Sovos Brands under the following terms and conditions.

Your title will be Chief Supply Chain Officer, reporting to me, President and CEO, Sovos Brands. Your base compensation will be paid at an annual rate of USD $315,000 which is equivalent to a monthly rate of USD $26,250. All future merit increases will occur as part of our annual review process.

The start date for your new position is May 14, 2018.

You will be eligible to participate in the Sovos Brands Annual Incentive Plan at a rate of 50% of your annual eligible base pay. This annual bonus will be paid based on achievement of annual performance targets determined by the Board in its good faith discretion after consultation with the CEO. You must be employed at the time of distribution to receive the bonus. For CY 2018, your participation will be pro-rated from April 1st, 2018.

As a key leader of the company, you will receive a grant of 2,500 shares. You will be provided an equity term sheet that outlines the grant terms.

As with other members of the Sovos Management Team, your annual vacation entitlement will be on an unaccrued basis. In addition, you will be eligible for the Sovos Brands healthcare, 401k and other benefits plans.

On your first day of employment, you agree to execute the company’s confidentiality agreement. We ask that you make every effort to protect the confidential and proprietary information.

I strongly believe that Sovos Brands will provide you with a unique and rewarding work experience.

Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this offer of employment. You may accept this offer by signing below and returning the signed copy.

Sincerely,

/s/ Todd Lachman

Todd Lachman

President and CEO


I understand that my employment with Sovos Brands is not for any fixed term and constitutes at- will employment which either Sovos Brands or I may terminate at any time, for any reason, with or without cause and with or without notice. The provisions stated in the offer of employment supersede all prior discussions and negotiations, and no other writing published by Sovos Brands is intended to modify the presumptions of at-will employment status.

/s/Kirk Jensen

Kirk Jensen

April 29, 2018

Offer Date

May 14, 2018

Start Date

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CONFIDENTIAL
4/27/18

Sovos Brands

Kirk Jensen

Employment Term Sheet

Chai

Executive

Kirk Jensen

Position

Executive shall serve as Chief Supply Chain Officer of Sovos Brands (the “Company”) reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”).

Duties

Executive shall have such duties, authorities and responsibilities as are commensurate with the duties, authorities and responsibilities of persons in similar capacities in similarly sized companies, and such other duties, authorities and responsibilities as the CEO shall designate from time to time. Executive shall devote all of Executive’s business time, energy and skill and Executive’s reasonable best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties with the Company; provided, that the foregoing shall not prevent Executive from (i) serving on the board of directors of non-profit organizations and, with the prior written approval of the Board, the board of directors of other companies; (ii) participating in charitable, civic, educational, professional, community or industry affairs; and (iii) managing Executive’s and Executive’s family’s passive personal investments, so long as the activities set forth in items (i) through (iii) in the aggregate do not interfere or conflict with Executive’s duties to the Company or create a business conflict.

Principal Location

Executive shall work from home office in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Term

At-will commencing on the first day of employment (the “Effective Date”). The period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the last day of Executive’s employment with the Company shall be referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”

Annual Base Salary

$315,000 (the “Base Salary”), payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company. The Base Salary shall be subject to annual review by the Board (or a committee thereof) in consultation with the CEO and shall be subject to increase from time to time, but not decrease without (i) Executive’s express written consent or (ii) on a prorated basis in connection with a decrease in the CEO’s base salary that is implemented with the CEO’s express written consent.  

Annual Bonus

Target annual bonus equal to 50% of Executive’s Base Salary, based on annual performance targets determined by the Board in its good faith discretion after consultation with the CEO, [which may take into account Company and individual performance criteria].  Such annual performance targets shall be communicated to Executive by March 31 of the year to which they apply or, if later and solely with respect to the partial fiscal year that commences on the Effective Date, by 30 days following the Effective Date. The annual bonus, if any, shall be paid to Executive in the fiscal year following the fiscal year in respect of which such bonus was earned, within 30 days following the determination of the achievement of the annual performance targets, but in no event later than April 30 of such fiscal year.

Equity Incentives

Company will provide an equity incentive program substantially on the material principal terms described in the attached Incentive Equity Term Sheet as promptly as practicable following the Effective Date.


Termination

Executive’s employment and the Employment Term shall terminate on the first of the following to occur:

Upon 30 days’ prior written notice by the Company to Executive of a termination due to Disability.
Automatically on the date of death of Executive.
Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of a termination for Cause.
Upon 30 days’ prior written notice by the Company to Executive of an involuntary termination without Cause, other than for death or Disability.
Upon 60 days’ prior written notice by Executive to Company of Executive’s resignation (which the Company may, in its sole discretion, make effective earlier than any notice date).

In any circumstance where the Company is required to provide notice in accordance with the foregoing, the Company may terminate Executive effective immediately by providing Executive continued payment of Base Salary through the specified notice period in lieu of providing the specified notice.

Payments Upon Termination of Employment

Upon termination due to Executive’s Disability or death, by the Company for Cause, by Executive, the Company shall pay or provide Executive (i) any unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company; (ii) except in the case of termination by the Company for Cause, any annual bonus earned but unpaid with respect to the fiscal year ending on or preceding the date of termination, payable when such annual bonus would have otherwise been payable to Executive in the absence of the termination of employment; (iii) reimbursement for any unreimbursed business expenses incurred through the date of termination and reimbursable under the terms hereof; (iv) any accrued but unused vacation time in accordance with the Company policy payable within 30 days after termination; and (v) all other accrued payments, benefits or fringe benefits to which Executive is entitled under the terms of any applicable compensation arrangement or benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan or program or grant (items (i) through (v) collectively, the “Accrued Benefits”).

Upon termination by the Company without Cause, the Company shall pay or provide Executive:

subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the requirements set forth in the “Release” and “Restrictive Covenants” sections of this term sheet , 6 months of the Base Salary, payable in substantially equal installments for 6 months following the termination date; provided, that the first installment shall be paid on the next payroll date after the 60th day following the termination date and shall include payment of any amounts that would be due prior thereto;

subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the requirements set forth in the “Release” and “Restrictive Covenants” sections of this term sheet, to the extent that Executive timely elects continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), reimbursement for the applicable COBRA premiums, if any, under the Company’s medical, dental and vision plans for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents until the earlier of (x) 12 months following Executive’s termination or (y) until Executive obtains new employment that provides substantially similar medical, dental and vision coverage;

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subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the requirements set forth in the “Release” and “Restrictive Covenants” sections of this term sheet, pro-rata portion of the annual bonus, if any, that Executive would have been entitled to receive with respect to the year of termination, based upon the percentage of the fiscal year of termination that shall have elapsed through the date of Executive’s termination of employment, payable when such annual bonus would have otherwise been payable to Executive in the absence of Executive’s termination of employment; and  

the Accrued Benefits.

In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this term sheet, and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains other employment.

Release

Any and all severance amounts and benefits beyond the Accrued Benefits shall only be payable if Executive delivers to the Company and does not revoke a general release of all claims in a form provided by the Company, within 60 days following the termination date.

Benefits

Executive (and Executive’s spouse and Executive’s eligible dependents, as applicable) shall be entitled to participate in any employee benefit plan that the Company has adopted or may adopt, maintain or contribute to for the benefit of its senior executives at a level commensurate with Executive’s position, subject to satisfying the applicable eligibility requirements.

Vacation

Executive shall be entitled to unaccrued paid vacation days per calendar year in accordance with the Company’s policy on accrual and use applicable to senior executives.

Business and Entertainment Expenses

Upon presentation of appropriate documentation, Executive shall be reimbursed in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy for all reasonable business and entertainment expenses incurred in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder.

Indemnification; D&O Insurance

Both during and after the Employment Term, regardless of the reason for termination, the Company shall indemnify Executive and hold Executive harmless to the maximum extent permitted by the Company’s organizational documents against and in respect of any and all actions, suits, proceedings, investigations, claims, demands, judgments, costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), losses, and damages (collectively, the “Losses”) resulting from Executive’s good faith performance of Executive’s duties and obligations with the Company and its affiliates; provided, that the foregoing shall not apply to intentional actions or omissions by Executive that Executive knows or reasonably should know could cause Losses.  The Company shall cover Executive under directors’ and officers’ liability insurance both during and, while potential liability exists, after the Employment Term in the same amount and to the same extent as the Company covers its other active officers and directors.  The foregoing obligations shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company.

Restrictive Covenants

Customary confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation and mutual non-disparagement restrictive covenants, in accordance with the law. The confidentiality and mutual non-disparagement covenants will be perpetual. The non-competition and non-solicitation covenants will be in effect during employment and for two years following the date of termination.

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Cooperation

Upon the receipt of reasonable notice from the Company (including outside counsel), Executive agrees that while employed by the Company and for a period of three years thereafter, Executive will respond and provide information with regard to matters in which Executive has knowledge as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company, and will provide reasonable assistance to the Company, its affiliates and their respective representatives in defense of any claims that may be made against the Company or its affiliates, and will assist the Company and its affiliates in the prosecution of any claims that may be made by the Company and its affiliates, to the extent that such claims relate to the period of Executive’s employment with the Company (or any predecessor); provided, that the Company shall reimburse Executive for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing such assistance and, if Executive is required to provide more than five hours of assistance per week after Executive’s termination of employment, the Company shall pay Executive for Executive’s services in excess of such five hours at an hourly rate equal to Executive’s Base Salary at the time of Executive’s termination of employment divided by 2,080.

Code Section 280G

If the aggregate amount of all payments and benefits due to Executive (or Executive’s beneficiaries) under this term sheet or any other agreement, plan, program, policy or arrangement (collectively, the “Change in Control Benefits”) would cause Executive to have “parachute payments” as such term is defined in and under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and could reasonably be expected to result in the imposition of excise taxes pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code, the Company shall, if requested by Executive, submit the Change in Control Benefits to the Company’s voting shareholders for approval in accordance with Section 280G of the Code; provided, that the Company makes no representation that the Company’s voting shareholders will vote to approve the Change in Control Benefits.

Cause

“Cause” shall mean Executive’s (i) material failure or willful refusal to perform employment duties to the Company and its affiliates; (ii) material misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of duties to the Company and its affiliates; (iii) failure to act in good faith in accordance with lawful instructions from the Board or the CEO (other than by reason of a disability); (iv) indictment for, conviction of, or pleading nolo contendere to, a felony, or a crime of moral turpitude that has a material effect on the Company; (v) theft from, fraud on or embezzlement from the Company or its affiliates; or (vi) material breach of the [employment agreement/offer letter]; provided, that a termination for Cause with respect to items (i), (iii) and (vi) will only be effective upon the satisfaction of the following requirements: (1) the Company notifies Executive in writing of any action that purportedly constitutes Cause, which notice specifies in detail the alleged facts and specific action which the Company deems are a basis for a termination for Cause and (2) Executive fails to remedy such action within 30 days following the receipt of such written notice.

Disability

“Disability” shall mean the inability of Executive to have performed Executive’s material duties of employment with the Company after reasonable accommodation due to a physical or mental injury, infirmity or incapacity for 180 days (including weekends and holidays) in any 365-day period or 90 consecutive days in any 180-day period, as determined by a qualified physician mutually acceptable to Executive and the Company.  If Executive and the Company cannot agree on a qualified physician, each party shall select and physician and the two physicians shall select a third physician who shall be the approved qualified physician for this purpose.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not terminate Executive by reason of Disability prior to the date on which Executive is eligible for long-term disability benefits under a long-term disability plan or policy maintained by the Company.

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This term sheet is non-binding and shall not give rise to any duty to negotiate or create or imply any other legal obligation on the part of any party. Except as required by applicable laws in connection with the transaction, Executive shall not disclose the terms of the arrangements set out herein to any other person other than his attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, and immediate family members provided that such immediate family members agree to maintain the confidentiality of the terms of the arrangements set out herein.

* * *

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Exhibit 10.11

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September 26, 2022

Yuri Hermida

For email delivery

Dear Yuri,

I am thrilled to extend an offer of employment with Sovos Brands, Inc. (“Company”) under the following terms and conditions. Your title will be Chief Growth Officer, Sovos Brands, reporting to me, Todd Lachman, President & Chief Executive Officer. Your starting base compensation will be paid at an annual rate of $550,000.00 which is equivalent to a bi-weekly rate of $21,153.85. Future increases to base compensation will occur as part of our annual review process and are subject to Compensation Committee approval. We expect that your start date will be no-later than October 24, 2022 (“Start Date”).

You will be eligible to participate in the Sovos Brands Annual Incentive Plan at a target rate of 100% of your annual eligible base compensation with a payout range of zero to 200%. For 2022, you will be eligible for a pro-rated bonus based on your Start Date. This annual bonus will be paid based on achievement of annual performance targets as determined by the Board of Directors. You must be employed at the time of payment to receive the bonus.

You will be eligible for a sign-on, performance-based cash bonus in the amount of $1,100,000 with 100% to be paid on June 1, 2023, subject to your continued employment with the Company. This bonus will become payable only if Sovos Brands is on-or-ahead of the Annual Operating Plan minimum Net Sales and Adjusted EBITDA thresholds at the time of measurement.

You will be eligible for an initial equity award with a target value of $3,300,000, composed entirely of time-based Restricted Stock Units, which will vest in three equal annual installments subject to the terms of the applicable award agreement provided at the time of grant and the Sovos Brands, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). This award will be made on or as soon as reasonably practicable following the Start Date.

You will also be eligible for an equity award with a target value of $1,100,000, composed entirely of Performance Stock Units, which will vest based on share-price increases relative to Baseline Stock Price of $13.72, with linear interpolation for performance between +25% - 100%, subject to the terms of the applicable award agreement provided at the time of grant and the Plan. This award will also be made on or as soon as reasonably practicable following the Start Date.

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Moreover, you will be eligible to participate in the 2023 Annual Long-Term Incentive Plan with a target value of 200% of your eligible base compensation. The terms and conditions of the award are expected to be determined by the Board in Q1 2023.

As a senior executive of the Company, you will be eligible to participate in our health, dental, vision, 401(k) and executive benefits plans. This includes a non-accrued Paid Time Off program.

On your first day of employment, you agree to execute the Company’s confidentiality agreement. We ask that you make every effort to protect the confidential and proprietary information.

You understand that your employment with Sovos Brands is not for any fixed term and constitutes at-will employment which either Sovos Brands or you may terminate at any time, for any reason, with or without cause and with or without notice. The provisions stated in this letter supersede all prior discussions and negotiations, and no other writing published by Sovos Brands is intended to modify the presumptions of at-will employment status.

The terms of this offer are subject to and contingent upon (i) the results of a background check, and (ii) the formal approval of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. As stated in the Company’s public filings, the Compensation Committee, a Sub- Committee of the Compensation Committee, or the Board of Directors must formally approve all equity awards.

I strongly believe that Sovos Brands will provide you with a unique and rewarding work experience along with rapid career progression. Please contact me if you have any questions. You may indicate your agreement to move forward by signing the acknowledgement below and returning the signed copy to me.

Sincerely,

/s/ Todd Lachman

Todd Lachman

President and Chief Executive Officer todd@sovosbrands.com

Date:

Acknowledged and Agreed: 9/27/2022​ ​

/s/Edgar Yuri Hermida

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Yuri Hermida

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Exhibit 10.12

SOVOS BRANDS, INC.
SEVERANCE PLAN FOR EXECUTIVES

The Company has adopted the Plan, effective as of the Effective Date, to provide severance pay and benefits to eligible executives of the Company on the terms and conditions provided for herein. All capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section 1. The Plan is sponsored by the Company and administered by the Plan Administrator.

This document constitutes both the formal Plan document and the “summary plan description” (“SPD”) for purposes of ERISA, and describes the terms of the Plan that are in effect as of the Effective Date. The Company urges each Eligible Employee to read this SPD carefully to understand the Plan as it applies to him or her.

Section 1.Definitions. As hereinafter used:
1.1Affiliate” means any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such other Person.
1.2Annual Target Bonus” means the amount of an Eligible Employee’s current year annual bonus at “target” performance levels.
1.3Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
1.4Cause” means the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) an Eligible Employee’s willful failure or willful refusal to substantially perform his or her employment duties to the Company and its Designated Affiliates; (ii) an Eligible Employee’s willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of such Eligible Employee’s duties to the Company and its Designated Affiliates; (iii) an Eligible Employee’s willful failure to act in good faith in accordance with specific, reasonable and lawful instructions from the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (other than by reason of a disability); (iv) an Eligible Employee’s indictment for, conviction of, or pleading nolo contendere to, a felony, or a crime of moral turpitude that has a material effect on the Company; (v) an Eligible Employee’s intentional theft from, intentional fraud on or intentional embezzlement from the Company or its Designated Affiliates, (vi) a material breach of an Eligible Employee’s employment agreement with the Company or its Designated Affiliates, or (vii) an Eligible Employee’s material violation of the code of conduct or similar written policy, including, without limitation, any sexual harassment policy, of the Company or its Designated Affiliates; provided, that with respect to items (i), (ii) and (vi), any such action will constitute “Cause” only if (1) the Company notifies such Eligible Employee in writing of any action of such Eligible Employee that purportedly constitutes Cause, which notice specifies in detail the alleged facts and specific action which the Board deems are a basis for a termination for Cause and (2) such Eligible Employee fails to remedy such action within 30 days following the receipt of such written notice. The determination that a termination of the Eligible Employee’s employment is either for Cause or without Cause shall be made by the Company, in its sole discretion.

WEIL:\98064373\7\72198.0009

1.5Change in Control” means any one or more of the following: (i) any Person (other than the Company, any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under any employee benefit plan of the Company, or any company owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the


Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s common stock) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; (ii) during any period of two consecutive years (the “Board Measurement Period”) individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director designated by a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in paragraph (i), (iii), or (iv) of this definition, or a director initially elected or nominated as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to directors or as a result of any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies by or on behalf of any Person other than the Board) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the Board Measurement Period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; (iii) a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; provided, however, that a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person (other than those covered by the exceptions in (i) above) acquires more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities shall not constitute a Change in Control of the Company; or (iv) the stockholders of the Company approve the consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets other than (x) the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to a Person or Persons who beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the Company at the time of the sale or (y) pursuant to a spinoff type transaction, directly or indirectly, of such assets to the stockholders of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code with respect to the payment of “nonqualified deferred compensation,” “Change in Control” shall be limited to a “change in control event” as defined under Section 409A of the Code.
1.6CIC Period” means the period beginning on the date that a Change in Control is consummated and ending on the date that is the twelve (12)-month anniversary of such date of consummation.
1.7Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
1.8Company” means Sovos Brands, Inc., and any successors thereto.
1.9Compensation Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other governing body designated by the Company.
1.10Designated Affiliate” means (a) each direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company and (b) each other Affiliate designated by the Compensation Committee as a Designated Affiliate for purposes of this Plan.

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1.11Effective Date” means the first date on which the Registration Statement on Form S-1 for the initial public offering of the Company’s common stock is declared effective by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
1.12Eligible Employee” means any employee of the Company or its Designated Affiliates (i) whose position is that of a Senior Vice President or (ii) who is a member of the Senior Executive Team of the Company.
1.13ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
1.14Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time.
1.15Good Reason” means the occurrence of any of the following events during the CIC Period without the express written consent of the Eligible Employee: (i) a material diminution in the Eligible Employee’s title, degree of responsibility and authority; or (ii) the Eligible Employee’s declination of a Non-Qualifying Employment Offer. An Eligible Employee may not resign or otherwise terminate his or her employment for any reason set forth above as Good Reason unless such Eligible Employee (x) notifies the Company in reasonable detail within sixty (60) days following his or her initial knowledge of an event that would constitute Good Reason, (y) the Company fails to remedy such event within 30 days following receipt of such notice, and (z) such Eligible Employee terminates employment within 30 days following the end of such 30-day remedy period.
1.16Involuntary Termination” means a termination of an Eligible Employee’s employment by the Company without Cause, excluding a termination as a result of the Eligible Employee’s death or disability.
1.17Non-CIC Period” means the period prior to or following a CIC Period.
1.18Non-Qualifying Employment Offer” means any offer of employment made to an Eligible Employee by the Company that (i) provides for a material reduction in Total Compensation, (ii) provides for a reduction in base salary (other than a reduction affecting all similarly situated employees, which reduction does not exceed 10% of current base salary) and/or (iii) requires that such Eligible Employee relocate his or her current office outside a radius of fifty (50) miles from such Eligible Employee’s current office location.
1.19Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, association, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or other legal entity.  All references to Person shall include an individual Person or a group (as defined in Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) of Persons.
1.20Plan” means this Sovos Brands, Inc. Severance Plan for Executives.
1.21Plan Administrator” means the Compensation Committee, acting by itself or through its authorized delegates, as applicable. Unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, the authorized delegates of the Compensation Committee shall act as Plan

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Administrator for all purposes of the Plan, other than as it relates to Section 10 of the Plan. All actions under Section 10 of the Plan shall be made by the Compensation Committee or the Board.
1.22Pro-Rata Bonus” means an amount equal to an Eligible Employee’s annual bonus for the fiscal year in which his or her Separation Date occurs based on actual Company results for such fiscal year, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of days such Eligible Employee was employed by the Company during the fiscal year in which the Separation Date occurred and the denominator of which is the number of days in such fiscal year.
1.23Qualifying Termination” means (i) an Involuntary Termination or (ii) a termination of an Eligible Employee’s employment as a result of a resignation by the Eligible Employee for Good Reason.
1.24Separation Date” means the date on which an Eligible Employee incurs an Involuntary Termination or a Qualifying Termination, as applicable.
1.25Total Compensation” means the sum of an Eligible Employee’s (i) base salary, and (ii) Annual Target Bonus.
Section 2.Involuntary Termination During Non-CIC Period; Qualifying Termination During CIC Period.
2.1If (i) during the Non-CIC Period, an Eligible Employee’s employment terminates as a result of an Involuntary Termination or (ii) during the CIC Period, an Eligible Employee’s employment terminates as a result of a Qualifying Termination, then, subject to the terms of the Plan, including Section 6, the Company shall provide to such Eligible Employee the following severance payments and benefits:
(a)an amount equal to the Eligible Employee’s base salary, at the rate in effect on the Separation Date, for a period of 6 months, payable in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices as in effect from time to time; provided, that the first payment pursuant to this 2.1(a) shall be made on the next regularly scheduled payroll date following the 60th day after the Separation Date and shall include payment of any amounts that would otherwise be due prior thereto;
(b)an amount equal to the Eligible Employee’s Annual Target Bonus, multiplied by 0.5, payable in substantially equal installments over a period of 6 months following such Eligible Employee’s Separation Date in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices as in effect from time to time; provided, that the first payment pursuant to this 2.1(b) shall be made on the next regularly scheduled payroll date following the 60th day after the Separation Date and shall include payment of any amounts that would otherwise be due prior thereto;
(c)the Pro-Rata Bonus, payable when the annual bonus would have otherwise been payable to the Eligible Employee had his or her employment not terminated; and
(d)to the extent that the Eligible Employee timely elects continuation
coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”),

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reimbursement for the applicable COBRA premiums, if any, under the Company’s or its
subsidiaries’, as applicable, medical, dental and vision plans for such Eligible Employee and his or her eligible dependents until the earlier of (i) 6 months following such Eligible Employee’s Separation Date or (ii) until the Eligible Employee obtains new employment that provides substantially similar medical, dental and vision coverage.

Section 3.Non-Duplication of Benefits. The Plan will not apply to any Eligible Employee who is eligible for severance compensation and benefits under any employment agreement, offer letter, or other contractual arrangement with the Company or under applicable law, in each case, that is more favorable to the Eligible Employee. If severance benefits are provided under the Plan to any Eligible Employee, such Eligible Employee will not be eligible for severance benefits under any other plan or policy of, or contractual arrangement with, the Company or under applicable law; provided, that the treatment of any equity or equity-based incentive award granted by the Company or any of its Affiliates to an Eligible Employee shall be governed by the terms of the plan and award agreement applicable to such award. The Plan replaces the Company’s executive severance policy, which was effective on October 19, 2019.  
Section 4.Accrued Compensation. Regardless of whether an Eligible Employee satisfies the conditions set forth in Section 5 hereof, on a termination of employment under Section 2 of the Plan, the Eligible Employee will receive (i) any earned but unpaid base pay through the Separation Date, (ii) if required by applicable law or the Company’s applicable policy, any accrued but unused vacation through the Separation Date, (iii) any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by the Eligible Employee through the Separation Date payable in accordance with the Company’s standard expense reimbursement policies, and (iv) any benefits owed to the Eligible Employee under any qualified retirement plan or health and welfare benefit plan in which the Eligible Employee was a participant, in accordance with applicable law and the provisions of such plan (items (i) through (iv), the “Accrued Compensation”).
Section 5.Conditions to Payment. Any obligation of the Company to pay or provide severance payments or benefits to an Eligible Employee pursuant to the Plan, other than the Accrued Compensation described in Section 4, is conditioned upon (a) the Eligible Employee’s execution and delivery to the Company of a separation agreement that includes (i) a general release and waiver of claims in favor of the Company, and its current, former, and future subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, benefit plans, trustees, and others identified therein, in a form provided by the Company or its Designated Affiliates, and (ii) solely with respect to a termination of employment that occurs prior to a Change in Control, on a case-by-case basis as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, a non-competition provision in favor of the Company and its Designated Affiliates, which shall be enforced during the applicable severance period set forth in Section 2 of the Plan (such separation agreement, a “Separation Agreement”), and (b) such Separation Agreement becoming fully effective and irrevocable by the date specified therein, but in no event more than sixty (60) days following the Separation Date.
Section 6.Section 409A. It is intended that payments and benefits under the Plan be exempt from or in compliance with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder (“Section 409A”) and the Plan shall be interpreted and administered accordingly. To the extent required to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A, an Eligible Employee will

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not be considered to have terminated employment with the Company for purposes of the Plan, and no payment will be due under the Plan, until he or she has incurred a “separation from service” from the Company within the meaning of Section 409A (after giving effect to the presumptions set forth therein). If an Eligible Employee is determined to be a “specified employee” at the time of his or her separation from service then, to the extent necessary to prevent any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A, payment of the amounts payable under the Plan will be delayed until the earlier of (a) the date that is six months and one day following the Eligible Employee’s separation from service and (b) the Eligible Employee’s death. Each amount paid pursuant to the Plan shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A and the right to a series of installment payments under the Plan shall be treated as the right to a series of separate payments. To the extent required by Section 409A, if the period available to execute (and not revoke) the Separation Agreement spans two calendar years, any payments or benefits provided to the Eligible Employee under the Plan will be paid in the second calendar year. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary in the Plan, none of the Company nor any other person will be liable to an Eligible Employee by reason of any acceleration of income, or any additional tax (including any interest and penalties), asserted with respect to any of the payments or benefits under the Plan, including by reason of the failure of the Plan to satisfy the applicable requirements of Section 409A in form or in operation. To the extent required to avoid an accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A, amounts reimbursable to an Eligible Employee under the Plan shall be paid to the Eligible Employee on or before the last day of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred and the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement (and in-kind benefits provided to the Eligible Employee) during any one year may not affect amounts reimbursable or provided in any subsequent year and may not be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit.
Section 7.Section 280G. In the event that it is determined that any payments or benefits provided under the Plan together with any payments or benefits to be provided under any other plan, program, arrangement or agreement would constitute parachute payments within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and would, but for this Section 7 be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) or any similar tax imposed by state or local law or any interest or penalties with respect to such taxes  (the “Excise Tax”), then the amounts of any such payments or benefits under the Plan and such other arrangements shall be either (i) paid in full or (ii) reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the payments or benefits is subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing (i) or (ii) results in the Eligible Employee’s receipt on an after-tax basis of the greatest amount of payments and benefits after taking into account the applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and excise taxes (including the Excise Tax). Any such reduction shall be made by the Company in its sole discretion consistent with the requirements of Section 409A. Any determination required under this Section 7 shall be made in writing in good faith by a nationally recognized public accounting firm selected by the Company. The Company and the Eligible Employee shall provide the accounting firm with such information and documents as the accounting firm may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section 7.
Section 8.Plan Administration.
8.1The Plan Administrator has full discretionary authority to administer the Plan, interpret the Plan, prescribe, amend, and rescind rules and regulations under the Plan, and make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan, subject to all of

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the provisions of the Plan. No benefit will be payable under the Plan except as determined payable by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion. Any determination by the Plan Administrator shall be binding and final in the absence of clear and convincing evidence that the Plan Administrator acted arbitrarily and capriciously.
8.2The Plan will be administered as a “severance pay arrangement” within the meaning of Section 3(2)(B)(i) of ERISA, excepted from the definitions of “employee pension benefit plan” and “pension plan” set forth under Section 3(2) of ERISA, and will be administered in accordance with the provisions of Appendix A hereto.
Section 9.Plan Modification or Termination. The Plan may be amended or terminated by the Plan Administrator, provided that, during the CIC Period, no such amendment or termination shall be effective that decreases the severance benefits to which an Eligible Employee may become eligible or that makes any provision of the Plan less favorable for any Eligible Employee without the consent of the affected Eligible Employee, and no such amendment or termination shall affect the rights of an Eligible Employee who has become entitled to severance benefits under the Plan. Once a Change in Control occurs, the Plan shall not apply to any future Change in Control, unless otherwise determined by the Plan Administrator.
Section 10.Successors to the Company. The Plan shall be binding on any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) of all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, which successor shall perform the Company’s obligations under the Plan in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform them if no such succession had taken place.
Section 11.General Provisions.
11.1Except as otherwise provided herein or by law, no right or interest of any Eligible Employee under the Plan shall be assignable or transferable, in whole or in part, either directly or by operation of law or otherwise, including without limitation by execution, levy, garnishment, attachment, pledge, or otherwise; no attempted assignment or transfer thereof shall be effective; and no right or interest of any Eligible Employee under the Plan shall be liable for, or subject to, any obligation or liability of such Eligible Employee. When a payment is due under the Plan to a terminated Eligible Employee who is unable to care for his or her affairs, payment may be made directly to his or her legal guardian or personal representative as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
11.2Except as may be provided under any other written agreement between an Eligible Employee and the Company, the employment of the Eligible Employee by the Company is “at will” and may be terminated by either the Eligible Employee or the Company at any time, subject to applicable law. Nothing contained herein shall constitute an employment contract or guarantee of employment or confer any other rights except as set forth herein. Nothing in the Plan will be construed to create any right to employment or re-employment with the Company.
11.3If any provision of the Plan shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions hereof, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such provisions had not been included.

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11.4The Plan shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns of the parties, including each Eligible Employee, present and future, and any successor to the Company. If an Eligible Employee dies while any amount would still be payable to such Eligible Employee hereunder (following a Qualifying Termination), all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of the Plan to the executor, personal representative, or administrators of the deceased Eligible Employee’s estate. None of the Company or any of its Affiliates, employees, directors or representatives shall have liability to any person following payment made in good faith under this provision.
11.5The headings and captions herein are provided for reference and convenience only, shall not be considered part of the Plan, and shall not be employed in the construction of the Plan.
11.6The Plan shall be funded out of the general assets of the Company as and when severance benefits are payable under the Plan. All Eligible Employees shall be solely general creditors of the Company.
11.7Any notice or other communication to an Eligible Employee required or permitted pursuant to the terms hereof shall have been duly given when delivered or mailed by United States Mail, first class, postage prepaid, addressed to the intended recipient at his or her last known address. Any notice or other communication to the Company must be made as set forth in Appendix A hereto.
11.8To the extent not preempted by federal law, which shall otherwise control, the Plan shall be construed and enforced according to the laws of the State of New York without regard to any conflicts of law principles.
11.9All benefits hereunder shall be reduced by applicable withholding and shall be subject to applicable tax reporting, as determined by the Plan Administrator.
11.10The Plan, as a “severance pay arrangement” within the meaning of Section 3(2)(B)(i) of ERISA, is intended to be excepted from the definitions of “employee pension benefit plan” and “pension plan” set forth under Section 3(2) of ERISA, and is intended to meet the descriptive requirements of a plan constituting a “severance pay plan” within the meaning of regulations published by the Secretary of Labor at Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations §2510.3- 2(b).
11.11Appendix A hereto sets forth certain rights each Eligible Employee has under ERISA. Appendix B hereto set forth important plan information.

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APPENDIX A

Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Appendix A will have the meanings from the Plan.

CLAIMS, INQUIRIES, APPEALS

Applications for Benefits and Inquiries.

Any application for benefits, inquiries about the Plan, or inquiries about present or future rights under the Plan must be submitted to the Plan Administrator in writing, as follows:

Sovos Brands, Inc.

168 Centennial Parkway, Suite 200

Louisville, CO80027

Attn: Chief Human Resources Officer

Denial of Claims.

In the event that any application for benefits is denied in whole or in part, the Plan Administrator must notify the applicant, in writing, of the denial of the application, and of the applicant’s right to review the denial. The written notice of denial will be set forth in a manner designed to be understood by the applicant, and will include specific reasons for the denial, specific references to the Plan provision upon which the denial is based, a description of any information or material that the Plan Administrator needs to complete the review, and an explanation of the Plan’s review procedure.

This written notice will be given to the applicant within 90 days after the Plan Administrator receives the application, unless special circumstances require an extension of time, in which case the Plan Administrator has up to an additional 90 days to process the application. If an extension of time for processing is required, written notice of the extension will be furnished to the applicant before the end of the initial 90-day period.

This notice of extension will describe the special circumstances necessitating the additional time and the date by which the Plan Administrator is to render its decision on the application. If written notice of denial of the application for benefits is not furnished within the specified time, the application shall be deemed to be denied. The applicant will then be permitted to appeal the denial in accordance with the review procedure described below.

Request for a Review.

Any person (or that person’s authorized representative) for whom an application for benefits is denied (or deemed denied), in whole or in part, may appeal the denial by submitting a request for a review to the Plan Administrator within 60 days after the application is denied (or deemed denied). The Plan Administrator will give the applicant (or his or her representative) an opportunity to review pertinent documents in preparing a request for a review and submit written comments, documents, records, and other information relating to the claim. A request for a review shall be in writing and shall be addressed to:


Sovos Brands, Inc.

168 Centennial Parkway, Suite 200

Louisville, CO80027

Attn: Chief Human Resources Officer

A request for review must set forth all of the grounds on which it is based, all facts in support of the request, and any other matters that the applicant feels are pertinent. The Plan Administrator may require the applicant to submit additional facts, documents, or other material as it may find necessary or appropriate in making his or her review.

Decision on Review.

The Plan Administrator will act on each request for review within 60 days after receipt of the request, unless special circumstances require an extension of time (not to exceed an additional 60 days), for processing the request for a review. If an extension for review is required, written notice of the extension will be furnished to the applicant within the initial 60-day period. If written notice of denial of the application for benefits is not furnished within the specified time, the application will be deemed to be denied. The Plan Administrator will give prompt written notice of its decision to the applicant. In the event that the Plan Administrator confirms the denial of the application for benefits in whole or in part, the notice will outline, in a manner calculated to be understood by the applicant, the specific Plan provisions upon which the decision is based.

Rules and Procedures.

The Plan Administrator may establish rules and procedures, consistent with the Plan and with ERISA, as necessary and appropriate in carrying out its responsibilities in reviewing benefit claims. The Plan Administrator may require an applicant who wishes to submit additional information in connection with an appeal from the denial (or deemed denial) of benefits to do so at the applicant’s own expense.

Exhaustion of Remedies.

No legal action for benefits under the Plan may be brought until the applicant (a) has submitted a written application for benefits in accordance with the procedures described above, (b) has been notified by the Plan Administrator that the application is denied (or the application is deemed denied by the Plan Administrator’s failure to act on it within the established time period), (c) has filed a written request for a review of the application in accordance with the appeal procedure described above, and (d) has been notified in writing that the Plan Administrator has denied the appeal (or the appeal is deemed to be denied by the Plan Administrator’s failure to take any action on the claim within the time prescribed above). In no event may any legal proceeding regarding entitlement to benefits or any aspect of benefits under the Plan be commenced later than the earlier of: (i) one year after the date on which an applicant receives a decision from the Plan Administrator regarding his or her appeal and (ii) the date otherwise prescribed by applicable law.


RIGHTS UNDER THE
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974 (ERISA)

As an Eligible Employee in the Plan, you are entitled to certain rights and protections under ERISA. ERISA provides that all Eligible Employees will be entitled to:

Receive Information About Your Plan and Benefits.

1.Examine, without charge, at the Plan Administrator’s office and at other specified locations, such as worksites, all documents governing the Plan, including a copy of the latest annual report (Form 5500 Series) filed by the Plan with the U.S. Department of Labor and available at the Public Disclosure Room of the Employee Benefits Security Administration.
2.Obtain, upon written request to the Plan Administrator, copies of documents governing the operation of the Plan, including copies of the latest annual report (Form 5500 Series) and updated SPD. The Plan Administrator may impose a reasonable charge for the copies.

Prudent Actions by Plan Fiduciaries.

In addition to creating rights for Eligible Employees, ERISA imposes duties upon the people who are responsible for the operation of the Plan. The people who operate your Plan, called “fiduciaries” of the Plan, have a duty to do so prudently and in the interest of you and other Eligible Employees and beneficiaries. No one, including your employer or any other person, may fire you or otherwise discriminate against you in any way to prevent you from obtaining a benefit or exercising your rights under ERISA.

Enforce Your Rights.

If your claim for a benefit is denied or ignored, in whole or in part, you have a right to know why this was done, to obtain copies of documents relating to the decision without charge, and to appeal any denial, all within certain time schedules set forth above.

Under ERISA, there are steps you can take to enforce the above rights. For instance, if you request a copy of Plan documents or the latest annual report from the Plan and do not receive them within 30 days, you may file suit in a federal court. In such a case, the court may require the Plan Administrator to provide the materials and pay you up to $161 a day (as adjusted for inflation) until you receive the materials, unless the materials were not sent because of reasons beyond the control of the Plan Administrator. If you have a claim for benefits that is denied or ignored, in whole or in part, you may file suit in a state or federal court. If you disagree with the Plan’s decision or lack thereof concerning the qualified status of a domestic relations order or a medical child support order, you may file suit in federal court. If you are discriminated against for asserting your rights, you may seek assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor, or you may file suit in a federal court. The court will decide who should pay court costs and legal fees. If you are successful, the court may order the person you have sued to pay these costs and fees. If you lose, the court may order you to pay these costs and fees, for example, if it finds your claim is frivolous. However, no


legal action may be commenced or maintained against the Plan prior to your exhaustion of the Plan’s claims procedures described above.

Assistance with Your Questions.

If you have any questions about your Plan, you should contact the Plan Administrator.

If you have any questions about this statement or about your rights under ERISA, or if you need assistance in obtaining documents from the Plan Administrator, you should contact the nearest office of the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, listed in your telephone directory or the Division of Technical Assistance and Inquiries, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

You may also obtain certain publications about your rights and responsibilities under ERISA by calling the Employee Benefits Security Administration’s publications hotline at 1-866- 444-3272.


APPENDIX B - IMPORTANT PLAN INFORMATION

Plan Sponsor:

Sovos Brands, Inc.

168 Centennial Parkway, Suite 200

Louisville, CO80027

Employer Identification Number (EIN):

[●]

Plan Name:

Sovos Brands, Inc. Severance Plan for Executives

Type of Plan:

Welfare Plan

Plan Year:

First Plan Year:

Effective Date – December 25, 2021.

Subsequent Plan Years:

The Company’s fiscal year1

Plan Number:

[●]

Plan Administrator:

Sovos Brands, Inc.

168 Centennial Parkway, Suite 200

Louisville, CO80027

Attn: Chief People Officer

Funding:

The Plan shall be unfunded within the meaning of ERISA.

Service of legal process may be made upon the Plan Administrator.

1 Note to Draft: Subject to modification by Management.


Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a)

OF THE U.S. SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Todd R. Lachman, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Sovos Brands, Inc. (the “registrant”);

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)

designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)

disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 10, 2023

By:

/s/ Todd R. Lachman

Name:

Todd R. Lachman

Title:

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)


Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a)

OF THE U.S. SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Christopher W. Hall, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Sovos Brands, Inc. (the “registrant”);

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)

designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)

disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 10, 2023

By:

/s/ Christopher W. Hall

Name:

Christopher W. Hall

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)


Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Sovos Brands, Inc. (the “Company”) for the fiscal period ended April 1, 2023 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), each of the undersigned officers of the Company hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to such officer’s knowledge:

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

This certificate is being furnished solely for the purposes of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

Date: May 10, 2023

By:

/s/ Todd R. Lachman

Name:

Todd R. Lachman

Title:

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: May 10, 2023

By:

/s/ Christopher W. Hall

Name:

Christopher W. Hall

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)