Snack company hits $100M in Florida sales, targets market share

Utz Brands, one of the largest snack manufacturers in the country, is expanding its presence and route network in Southwest Florida. 

The Hanover, Pennsylvania-based company announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase distribution rights across South Florida including Fort Myers and Naples, from National Food Corp. a third-party direct-store delivery distributor. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. 

The acquisition, according to a statement, includes some 65 direct-store delivery distributor routes covering Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, in addition to Naples, and Fort Myers. “Strengthening our regional foothold and bolstering our customer relationships in Florida is a key focus, as the state represents an important expansion geography for Utz,” CEO Howard Friedman says in the statement. 

Florida is a key expansion geography for Utz, say company officials in the statement “as it represents the third largest U.S. state in terms of Salty Snack Category sales, with $2.6 billion of retail sales.”

Since 2021, Utz has increased its retail sales in Florida to $103 million, representing a three-year compounded annual growth rate of 28%, and has also increased its market share from 2.7% to 3.9%. 

“While the Company has enjoyed very strong growth, this transaction shows that there is still significant market share opportunity in Florida,” the company adds in the statement. “We believe that Florida’s large consumer base, combined with strong recognition of the Utz portfolio brands, uniquely positions us to continue this growth trajectory. To support this expansion, Utz plans to increase its investment in the region and provide enhanced retailer support with increased distribution facilities and sales management, higher service velocity and an expanded route system.”

Utz had $1.43 billion in revenue in 2023. Its brands include Zapp's, Bachman, Golden Flake, TGI Fridays and Hanover of Berlin, among others.