Tyson Foods considering sale of three non-meat based brands

Tyson Foods officials announced Monday (April 24) the company is considering the sale of three of its non-protein businesses — Sara Lee Frozen Bakery, Kettle and Van’s.

“Through our ongoing strategic planning process, we’re continuously looking at ways to maximize the effectiveness and growth potential of our protein-based portfolio of products,” President and CEO Tom Hayes said in a news release. “The businesses we’re exploring to sell include well-respected brands, operations and product lines. With our protein-focused strategy, we believe other companies may be better positioned to unlock their value over time.”

In February, Tyson Foods announced its strategy to sustainably feed the world with the fastest growing portfolio of protein packed brands. Company officials, according to the release, believe the sale of the three non-protein businesses will allow Tyson Foods to sharpen its focus on core businesses and expand its protein leadership position in retail and foodservice.

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery, the Kettle business and Van’s produce items such as frozen desserts, waffles, breakfast bars and soups, sauces and sides. Any sale, according to the company, would include the Chef Pierre, Bistro Collection, Kettle Creations and Van’s brands, a license to use the Sara Lee brand in various channels, as well as the company’s Tarboro, N.C., Fort Worth, Texas, and Traverse City, Mich., prepared foods facilities.

Rothschild is acting as Tyson Foods’ financial advisor on the sale.