California Pizza Kitchen, under new ownership since December, is doubling down on its consumer packaged goods business, the company has announced, including new product categories in the United States, international expansion with long-time partner Nestlé, and new retail distribution in Asia.
Domestically, CPK will expand its frozen offerings beyond signature pizzas for the first time since 1999 through a new partnership to develop and offer both appetizers and entrees at grocery stores, inspired by its restaurant menu. The new products, currently in early-stage culinary development, are expected to begin rolling out in early 2027 in grocery stores nationwide. The expansion builds on CPK’s decades-long leadership in the premium frozen pizza category and reflects growing consumer demand for restaurant-branded offerings at retail.
CPK was acquired in December by an investor group led by Consortium Brand Partners, which has stated that CPG expansion is part of a larger growth vision for the brand.
“We see significant opportunities to leverage CPK’s brand equity and cultural relevance to introduce innovative products that meet consumers wherever they shop or dine,” said Cory M. Baker, founder and managing partner of Consortium Brand Partners.
Additionally, CPK has recently expanded its long-standing partnership with Nestlé to market frozen pizzas throughout Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Distribution is expected to begin later this quarter, with a phased retail expansion that will bring CPK frozen products to grocery shelves by mid-year in select markets.
CPK will also expand retail distribution across Asia following its frozen pizza launch in Taiwan last year. The brand’s iconic BBQ Chicken Pizza is currently available at all Costco Warehouses in the market, with additional SKUs expected to follow. CPK, alongside its regional partner, is preparing to enter Japan in the coming months, followed by expansion into the Shanghai region of mainland China.
