Hillshire Brands Company: The new name for Sara Lee’s North American business.
Sara Lee is set to become two independent publicly-traded companies on June 28.
Hillshire Brands Company will focus on “meat-centric food products and foodservice operations” in North America, and includes the Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Ball Park, Aidells, Gallo Salame and State Fair brands, said Sean Connolly, CEO of Sara Lee North American Retail and Foodservice, who will become CEO of Hillshire Brands.
Sara Lee’s international coffee and tea business - operating across Europe, Brazil, Australia and Thailand - has recently been re-named D.E Master Blenders 1753, and includes brands such as Douwe Egberts, Senseo, L’OR EspressO, Marcilla, Pilão, Moccona, Pickwick and Hornimans.
The Hillshire name was inspired by the Hillshire Farm brand, which Sara Lee acquired in 1971, said the firm.
“After the spin-off, Hillshire Brands’ Foodservice division will continue to be known as ‘Sara Lee Foodservice.’ This brand name is well-known and respected throughout the industry for its full portfolio of meat and bakery items, including both front-of-the-house and back-of-the house brands. “
