Tyson Foods Acquires Utah Chip Maker

Tyson Foods, Inc. has acquired the assets of Utah-based Don Julio Foods, a maker of flour and corn tortillas, potato chips, tortilla chips and pretzels. The products are marketed under the Don Julio Authentic and Clover Club brands.

Terms of the financial transaction were not disclosed, but the acquisition was made through Tyson’s subsidiary, Tyson Mexican Original, Inc.

Tyson Mexican Original is the second largest manufacturer of tortillas in the U.S. A majority of its sales are currently with food service customers; however, the acquisition will put the company’s products on grocery store shelves throughout the U.S.

“Don Julio is an example of a brand that’s the right fit for Tyson Foods,” Tyson Foods CEO Donnie Smith said. “The people are great, the business expands on an existing tortilla business where we already have expertise and it will allow us to offer our retail customers another product with a loyal consumer following.”

The management team – which includes Nate Fisher, son of company founder, Craig Fisher – will continue to manage the operation. Don Julio employs about 50 people, the majority of whom are expected to join Tyson. The Tyson Mexican Original subsidiary employs about 1,300.

The acquisition includes all brands marketed by Don Julio, equipment and related assets.