Smithfield Foods, the US meat processor owned by China’s WH Group, has announced the full acquisition of Kansas City Sausage Company.

In 2013 Smithfield formed a 50/50 joint venture with the company but it has now taken full control. The financial details of the transaction have not been revealed.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Virginia-based Smithfield said the deal grows its packaged meats business and enhances its supply chain.

President and CEO Kenneth Sullivan said: “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 harmonising our live production and processing capabilities. 

“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.”

The company said the 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 such as meatballs.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Kansas City Sausage produces some of Smithfield Foods’ fastest growing products including Smithfield Breakfast Sausage, Smithfield Craft Collection Seasonal Brats, and Carando Meatballs. 

The sausage company has operations in Des Moines, Iowa and Kansas City, Missouri. In Des Moines, the company produces premium raw materials for sausage, as well as products such as boneless hams. 

Smithfield Foods is a US$15bn global food company and the world’s largest pork processor and hog producer. Its popular brands include Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan’s Famous, Farmland and Armour.

Earlier this month it was revealed that Smithfield Foods had invested in Chef’d, the US meat-kit business.

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact