Tyson Foods Acquires Circle Foods

Tyson Foods, Inc. has expanded its value-added foods portfolio with the acquisition of Circle Foods LLC, a producer of frozen and refrigerated handheld Mexican foods, uncooked tortillas and Indian flatbreads, from Claridge.

California-based Circle Foods has been in business for 25 years and is known for branded products that include Nuevo Grille and Tortillaland handheld Mexican products and uncooked tortillas and Rotiland Indian flatbreads. The company, which operates a state-of-the-art plant in San Diego, also produces private label products for various customers. Terms of the acquisition, which was completed June 1, were not disclosed. 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-square-foot 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.

Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods, Inc. is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork and the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500.