Perdue, Salisbury, Md., purchased Natural Food Holdings and its Niman Ranch brand.   

“This represents the next chapter in our growth through premium proteins and trusted brands,” says Jim Perdue, chairman of Perdue Farms. “The Niman Ranch brand continues our commitment to raising animals without antibiotics or artificial growth stimulants, and to responsible food and agriculture.”

LNK Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, is selling Natural Food Holdings to Perdue for an undisclosed amount. The two companies signed a definitive agreement for the sale, and expect to close the transaction soon.

Niman Ranch began in the early 1970s on a small ranch in California, and has grown to include more than 700 independent family farmers and ranchers nationwide. The Niman Ranch brand covers a complete line of pork, beef, lamb, cage-free eggs and a variety of smoked and cured meats. All products are sourced from animals raised to high welfare standards and without any antibiotics. 

“With the long, family-owned heritage of our company, we understand and respect what Niman Ranch represents,” adds Perdue. “All Niman Ranch livestock will continue to be raised by the same small family farmers and ranchers, following the same protocols and with the same focus on sustainability.” 

“We are excited to become part of Perdue,” says Jeff Swain, chief executive officer of Natural Food Holdings. “With Perdue being a family-owned business and the Perdue commitment to responsible food and agriculture, it was the perfect fit to help us continue to grow and prosper while staying true to our brand’s mission.”

Through the acquisition, Perdue also acquired the Prairie Grove brand and the SiouxPreme Packing plants in Sioux City and Sioux Center, Iowa. 

“This is more than adding volume and capacity,” says Randy Day, president, Perdue Foods. “This acquisition is an important step forward in growing our pork business through premium brands with high standards for animal welfare and sustainable agricultural practices. We hope to grow the number of family farmers in the Niman Ranch network, and expand distribution into more cities across the country, thereby reaching more consumers and providing greater access to sustainably produced meat.”

“We want to become better, not just bigger,” adds Perdue. “The acquisition of Natural Food Holdings supports our direction forward, as we continually elevate our products and production practices.”

“The promise of each of the brands, our relationship with family farmers and the value we bring to customers and consumers will not change,” says Day. “Through this merger, we’ll learn from each other to get better at everything we do.”