USA: Frontera, Red Fork and Salpica brands acquired by ConAgra Foods

US food manufacturer ConAgra Foods has announced the acquisition of the packaged Mexican food business from Frontera Foods and Red Fork that includes the Frontera, Red Fork and Salpica brands.

Frontera is known as a Chicago-based company that produces “premium” Mexican food such as a tex-mex salsa line, sauces, snacks and meals under the Frontera and Salpica brands. Chicago-based Red Fork produces American-style cooking sauces.

Frontera was established in 1996 by chef Rick Bayless, who also owns restaurants, with partner and CEO Manny Valdes. The firm produces more than 50 regional Mexican food products that are said to use premium ingredients and unique cooking methods.

Commenting on the acquisition, ConAgra Foods CEO Sean Connolly said: “The Frontera brand is a preeminent gourmet Mexican food brand in North America. We believe it provides a tremendous platform off which we can build”.

The acquisition will not include any restaurant assets, it is reported.

Source: ConAgra Foods (via BusinessWire)