Tyson Foods is to sell US arm Circle Foods to Japan-based group Ajinomoto.

The US meat giant has struck a deal over the San Diego-based asset, which it acquired in 2013 and which markets Mexican-style foods.

“Tyson Foods has entered an agreement with Ajinomoto Windsor to sell our Circle Foods operations. We anticipate this transaction to be completed this spring, and are working with Ajinomoto Windsor on a transition plan for operations,” Tyson said in a statement.

“As part of this transaction, we will retain some elements and assets of our San Diego operations. Our primary focus will be to continue delivering results for our customers by producing high quality products.”

A Tyson spokesperson declined to comment on which parts of the operation it plans to keep.

Ajinomoto renamed the US-based Ajinomoto Windsor subsidiary to Ajinomoto Foods North America two weeks ago.

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The Japan food and ingredients giant acquired US ethnic food maker Windsor Quality Holdings in 2014 for around US$800m.

Last April, it announced plans to build a new appetiser production facility in Joplin, Missouri – and sell a plant, also in Missouri, to local manufacturer Today’s Foods.

Officials at Ajinomoto Foods North America could not be reached for immediate comment.