Tyson Foods invests $26m in expanding Texas bacon plant

Texas is a major hub for Tyson Foods' meat processing and production where it currently operates 10 food processing plants employing more than 12,000 individuals, and contracts with more than 230 poultry growers and more than 90 cattle suppliers in the state where the company's total annual impact is nearly $3bn. The $26m investment in expanding its Wright Brand Bacon facility will create 32 new jobs in the area bringing total employment at the plant to 800, according to Tyson. The expansion will satisfy growing category demand for bacon and allow room for additional growth, said the company. According Tyson, the bacon category has increased 18% in volume growth since 2017, with new consumers entering the category and existing buyers consuming more bacon, most recently due to an increase in at-home meals fueled by the pandemic. According to IRI sales data for the latest 52 weeks ended June 14, 2020, sales of bacon were up 12.8% vs. a year ago reaching $5bn. Available nationwide at major retailers, Wright Brand - which produces thick cut 'real wood' smoked bacon using a proprietary 90-year-old curing recipe - has outpaced category growth and increased volume by 29% as more buyers are introduced to the brand. “We’re pleased we can continue to build on the proud heritage of this iconic and delicious brand,” commented Noelle O’Mara, group president of Prepared Foods for Tyson Foods, Inc.