USA – Smithfield Foods, a US based pork producer, has expanded its reach in the dry sausage market by purchasing a dry sausage production facility in Nashville, Tennessee, from Cargill.
Although the financial details of the transaction were not made public, the acquisition is part of Smithfield’s strategy to grow its value-added packaged meats segment.
The Nashville facility, which has an annual production capacity of 50 million pounds of dry sausage, will bolster Smithfield’s existing portfolio of brands, including Margherita, Carando, and Armour.
This move is expected to significantly enhance Smithfield’s ability to meet the rising demand in the dry sausage category.
Steve France, president of packaged meats at Smithfield Foods, expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating that the additional capacity would enable the company to further expand its presence in the rapidly growing dry sausage market.
He also welcomed the Nashville facility’s workforce into the Smithfield family, noting the importance of maintaining continuity for both the employees and the facility’s customers.
To ensure a smooth transition, Smithfield has extended employment offers to all current employees of the Nashville facility.
These offers include the same roles they previously held, along with a benefits package that features comprehensive medical coverage and a free-tuition program.
Smithfield Foods, headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, has been a prominent name in the U.S. food industry since its founding in 1936.
The company employs over 54,000 people across seven countries and works closely with American farmers.
Known for its commitment to responsible food production, Smithfield has made significant contributions to combat food insecurity, including donations to food banks and disaster relief efforts nationwide.