Smithfield Foods, a 2023 ProFood World Sustainability Excellence in Manufacturing Award winner—has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase a dry sausage production facility in Nashville, Tenn., from Cargill. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, and the transaction is expected to be completed by the end of next month, according to Smithfield.
Production from the Nashville facility will support Smithfield’s existing portfolio of dry sausage brands, including Margherita, Carando and Armour, adding dry sausage production capacity of 50 million pounds per year.
Those at Smithfield say the acquisition will bolster the company’s strategy of continued growth in the value-added packaged meats segment, enhancing its ability to serve growing demand for high-quality pepperoni, deli, charcuterie and other dry sausage products.
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Smithfield will make formal offers of employment to the approximately 160 active Cargill Nashville employees for the same positions they currently hold, with no changes to their current base pay, and provide a benefits package that includes comprehensive medical coverage, a free-tuition program and other benefits.
“Dry sausage is one of our fastest-growing categories, and acquiring this facility from Cargill will better position us to improve sales, drive volume and increase our capacity to bring high-quality dry sausage products to the foodservice, industrial, and retail sectors,” says Steve France, president of packaged meats at Smithfield Foods. “We look forward to serving this facility’s existing customers and welcoming a new group of team members to Smithfield Foods.”
