Tyson Foods Acquires California-based Food Processor

Tyson Foods, Inc. will acquire the assets of Claridge Corp.’s Circle Foods, LLC, a producer of frozen and refrigerated handheld Mexican foods, uncooked tortillas and Indian flatbreads. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

California-based Circle Foods has been in business for 25 years and operates a state-of-the-art plant in San Diego, also produces private label products for various customers.

Tyson Foods does not plan any significant operational changes and intends to keep the existing Circle Foods management and production team in place to grow the business. The operation currently has approximately 600 full-time employees.

“Claridge and the Circle Foods team have developed an outstanding portfolio of products and customers, with a fantastic plant and workforce, and will be an excellent fit within our branded consumer products group,” said Donnie Smith, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. “We believe Tyson’s robust sales structure, as well as our frozen and refrigerated foods distribution system, will enable this business to accelerate its growth.”

Circle Foods’ 159,000 sq. ft. facility in San Diego was built in 2008 and has been recognized for its outstanding food safety management system. The plant produces burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, quesadillas, tacos and tamales, as well as tortillas and Indian flat breads.

Tyson Foods acquired Utah-based Don Julio Foods, a maker of flour and corn tortillas, potato chips, tortilla chips and pretzels, in February. Company officials have stressed that that a key part of its growth strategy will be to invest in value-added products in an effort to boost profits.