ConAgra Foods acquires three packaged foods firms

ConAgra Foods has acquired Frontera, Red Fork and Salpica packaged foods brands from Frontera Foods and Red Fork.

The financial terms of the transaction have not been divulged by either company.

ConAgra Foods president and chief executive officer Sean Connolly said: “The Frontera brand is a pre-eminent gourmet Mexican food brand in North America. We believe it provides a tremendous platform off which we can build.”

Frontera Foods produces gourmet Mexican products, Red Fork manufactures contemporary American cooking sauces, and Salpica offers Tex-Mex salsa and dips.

Frontera Foods founder Chef Rick Bayless said: “In ConAgra, we’ve found people who respect our integrity and uncompromising standards.

“We will continue to make high-quality food with the same standards of excellence and operate with the same values and fresh ingredients that have helped the business to become the premium brands they are today."

The acquisition does not include any restaurant assets, including Frontera-branded restaurants.

Frontera Foods CEO Manny Valdes said: “Frontera has grown through a passion for innovation and hard work. We have made a difference in the American grocery store and the American home. We believe ConAgra is a fantastic partner to help us deliver the same level of authentic, gourmet food products to even more homes across the country.”

Founders Rick Bayless and Manny Valdes will continue to support the business.