May 17, 2024

Major US pork processor Clemens acquires Kunzler & Company

Clemens Food Group, the fifth largest pork processor in the United States with a vertically coordinated pork production operation, has announced the acquisition of Lancaster-based Kunzler & Company, Inc.

The strategic purchase reinforces Clemens Food Group's commitment to delivering exceptional products.

Established nearly 130 years ago as a family farming venture in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, Clemens Food Group has evolved into a sixth-generation family owned business with a workforce of more than 5,000 team members spanning multiple US states. The acquisition will add three more processing facilities, one in Lancaster and two in Tyrone, to the Clemens Food Group portfolio.

In addition, Clemens Food Group will continue to offer the Kunzler brand and will look to provide current Kunzler customers best-in-class service and products.

"The decision to acquire Kunzler stems from both organisations' earned industry reputations, as both are viewed as trusted providers of high-quality products to the marketplace," said Brad Clemens, president of Clemens Food Group. "As Chris Kunzler (now former president of Kunzler & Company) sought a successor to carry forward his family's legacy after more than 123 years, I'm honored Clemens Food Group emerged as their ideal steward as there are many similarities between our cultures and commitment to excellence."

By integrating Kunzler's operations, the synergies will enhance Clemens Food Group's capacity to continue producing value-added meat products of the highest quality. The strategic locations of the plants in Lancaster and Tyrone align with Clemens Food Group's goals to expand support for Pennsylvania's agriculture and food processing industry.

As part of the acquisition, Clemens Food Group will assume ownership of all Kunzler facilities and transportation operations.

- National Hog Farmer