Itzy Ritzy acquires lunch box maker BrightBin

Kids Today Staff -- Kids Today, 9/4/2012 11:25:53 AM

Just in time for the new school year, Itzy Ritzy has acquired BrightBin, maker of a bento-style lunch box, and has rebranded the product the Lunch Happens bento lunch box. A refreshed version of the product was introduced to retail at the beginning of the month.

The Lunch Happens bento-style box from Itzy Ritzy retails for $14.99.

The lunch box was designed three years ago by mom and teacher Stephanie Stiller, who was troubled about the amount of trash children were throwing away during lunch periods. She designed the BPA-free lunch box in a bento style with separate compartments, allowing for organization and portion control. The box has since been placed in the upscale grocery chain Whole Foods and in specialty boutiques.

Stiller said she approached Itzy Ritzy about acquiring her company because she wanted to expand the product's reach and she was a fan of the company's reusable products.

"I've been impressed with their line of popular eco-conscious Snack Happened snack bags, not to mention Itzy Ritzy's growth and leadership, so I knew my lunch box would be right at home," Stiller said.

The lunch box retains Stiller's original design, but now features bold colors and designs that coordinate with other products in the Itzy Ritzy line. The initial collection includes monkey, owl and guitar designs.

Kelly Douglas, CEO of Itzy Ritzy, said the addition of a lunch box made sense for her line.

"As a personal fan of the BrightBin lunch box in my household, I know firsthand that the product is a must-have for modern parents, " Douglas said. "Moreover, given our impressive growth and dedicated following in the reusable container space with Itzy Ritzy's Snack Happened and Snack Happened Mini snack bags, introducing an eco-friendly and time-saving bento-style lunch box is a natural progression for the brand."

The Lunch Happens box retails for $14.99.