SMITHFIELD, Va., Aug. 14, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods, Inc. today announced the full acquisition of Kansas City Sausage Company, LLC, the leading U.S. pre-rigor sausage producer and processor. In 2013, Smithfield formed a 50/50 joint venture with the company.

“This latest acquisition will build on the success of our growing packaged meats business and brands. It simultaneously enhances our vertically integrated supply chain, further harmonizing our live production and processing capabilities,” said Kenneth M. Sullivan, president and chief executive officer for Smithfield Foods. “With this transaction, we will strengthen our focus on branded pre-rigor pork products and leverage Smithfield’s expansive sales and distribution network to bring these premium offerings to more consumers.”

“This full acquisition further supports the growth of several key packaged meats categories, including breakfast and fresh dinner sausage, as well as Italian style meal solutions like meatballs,” said Joseph B. Sebring, president, packaged meats division of Smithfield Foods. “Kansas City Sausage produces some of Smithfield Foods’ fastest growing products including Smithfield Breakfast Sausage, Smithfield Craft Collection Seasonal Brats, and Carando Meatballs. In fact, Carando currently boasts the fastest selling fresh meatball in the U.S.”

KC Sausage has operations in Des Moines, Iowa and Kansas City, Missouri. In Des Moines, the company produces premium raw materials for sausage, as well as value-added products, including boneless hams. The Kansas City plant is the newest and most modern sausage processing facility in the U.S. and is designed for optimum efficiency to provide retail and foodservice customers with the highest quality products.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield^?, Eckrich^?, Nathan's Famous^?, Farmland^?, Armour^?, John Morrell^?, Cook's^?, Kretschmar^?, Gwaltney^?, Curly's^?, Margherita^?, Carando^?, Healthy Ones^?, Krakus^?, Morliny^? and Berlinki^?. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.