Tyson Acquires Producer of Mexican Food, Indian Flatbreads

Springdale-based Tyson Foods Inc. announced Monday that it has acquired the assets of Circle Foods LLC, a California-based producer of frozen Mexican foods, uncooked tortillas and Indian flatbreads, from Claridge Inc., an investment firm based in Canada.

Terms of the acquisition, completed June 1, were not disclosed.

In a press release issued Monday morning, Tyson said it does not plan on any significant operational changes at Circle Foods and that the company’s management and production team will be kept in place. Circle Foods has about 600 full-time employees and produces burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, quesadillas, tacos, tamales, tortillas and flat breads at its 159,000-SF facility in San Diego.  

Branded products by Circle Foods include Nuevo Grille and Tortillaland Mexican products, Tortillaland uncooked tortillas and Rotiland Indian flatbreads.

Donnie Smith, president and CEO of Tyson, hailed the acquisition, which is part of Tyson’s expansion of its value-added foods division.

“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,” he said.