USA: Hershey to acquire two pretzel companies for $1.2 billion

The Hershey Company has announced the acquisition of two pretzel companies, Dot’s Pretzels LLC and Pretzels Inc for approximately $1.2 billion.

Founded by Dot Henke in her home kitchen, Dot’s Pretzels started as a family business creating high-quality homemade pretzels.

Pretzels Inc is a co-manufacturer of pretzels for Dot’s Pretzels and other brands, being a leading innovator in the pretzel category. The company operates three manufacturing facilities, which will help to support Dot’s growth and future pretzel innovation.

“As the fastest growing U.S. pretzel brand, Dot’s Pretzels would further accelerate our success in the permissible salty snack category, along with our successful SkinnyPop and Pirate’s Booty brands,” said Michele Buck, The Hershey Company President and Chief Executive Officer. “With a unique range of bold, distinctive seasonings and a flavorful crunch that creates a premium pretzel experience for consumers, Dot’s Pretzels stand apart from all other products in the pretzel category and represents 55 percent of the pretzel category’s growth during the past year.”

Source: The Hershey Company