Who Bought Owens Sausage? The Complete History of Ownership

Owens Sausage, a name synonymous with delicious breakfast meats and Southern comfort food, has a rich and fascinating history. Understanding the story behind its ownership reveals a captivating journey through corporate acquisitions, brand evolution, and the changing landscape of the food industry. This article delves deep into the question: “Who bought Owens Sausage?” tracing its lineage from its humble beginnings to its current position on grocery store shelves.

The Early Years: From Farm to Family Favorite

The story of Owens Sausage begins with Bob Owens, a visionary entrepreneur who transformed his family’s hog farming operation into a thriving sausage business. In 1928, Owens Country Sausage was officially established in Richardson, Texas.

Bob Owens’s initial focus was on producing high-quality, fresh sausage using a secret blend of spices and his meticulous attention to detail. He built a loyal customer base through direct sales and local partnerships, establishing a reputation for both quality and flavor.

His commitment to freshness and taste quickly made Owens Sausage a popular choice among consumers. This grassroots success paved the way for expansion and broader distribution throughout the region.

The company’s early marketing efforts centered on highlighting the product’s authenticity and homemade qualities. The Owens brand became associated with family traditions and the warmth of Southern hospitality.

The Owens family played an integral role in the company’s development, contributing to its growth and success. Their dedication to quality and customer satisfaction helped solidify Owens Sausage’s position in the market.

The First Acquisition: A New Chapter with Southland Corporation

After decades of family ownership and consistent growth, Owens Country Sausage attracted the attention of larger corporations. In 1987, a significant turning point arrived: Southland Corporation, the parent company of 7-Eleven convenience stores, acquired Owens Country Sausage.

This acquisition marked the end of an era for the Owens family but also presented new opportunities for the brand. Southland Corporation, with its vast distribution network and resources, was well-positioned to expand Owens Sausage’s reach and market share.

The Southland Corporation recognized the value of the Owens brand and its loyal customer base. They sought to leverage these assets to further grow the sausage business and integrate it into their existing operations.

This acquisition brought about changes in the company’s structure and operations. While maintaining the core values of quality and taste, Southland Corporation implemented new strategies to optimize production, distribution, and marketing.

Under Southland’s ownership, Owens Sausage continued to expand its product line and distribution network. The brand gained greater visibility and accessibility to consumers across the country.

Another Shift: Sara Lee Takes the Reins

The ownership landscape shifted again in 1997 when Sara Lee Corporation acquired Owens Country Sausage from Southland Corporation.

Sara Lee, a global food and beverage giant, saw the potential of Owens Sausage to complement its existing portfolio of well-known brands. This acquisition was a strategic move to strengthen Sara Lee’s position in the breakfast meats category.

Sara Lee had a proven track record of successfully integrating acquired brands and leveraging its resources to drive growth and innovation. The company invested in research and development, marketing, and distribution to enhance the Owens Sausage brand.

Under Sara Lee’s ownership, Owens Sausage continued to evolve, introducing new products and expanding its presence in both retail and foodservice channels.

The acquisition by Sara Lee brought about further changes in the company’s management and operations. While maintaining the brand’s core values, Sara Lee implemented new strategies to improve efficiency and profitability.

During this period, Sara Lee focused on streamlining production processes and optimizing the supply chain to ensure consistent quality and availability of Owens Sausage products.

Tyson Foods: The Current Owner

The next major chapter in the Owens Sausage ownership story unfolded in 2001, when Tyson Foods, Inc. acquired Sara Lee’s refrigerated meats division, which included Owens Country Sausage.

Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest food companies, has a strong presence in the meat and poultry industry. The acquisition of Sara Lee’s refrigerated meats division was a strategic move to expand Tyson’s product offerings and strengthen its position in the processed meats market.

Tyson Foods recognized the value of the Owens Sausage brand and its potential for growth. The company integrated Owens Sausage into its existing operations and leveraged its resources to further enhance the brand.

Under Tyson Foods’ ownership, Owens Sausage has continued to thrive, benefiting from Tyson’s extensive distribution network, marketing expertise, and research and development capabilities.

Tyson Foods has maintained the quality and taste of Owens Sausage while also introducing new products and packaging innovations to meet the evolving needs of consumers.

The acquisition by Tyson Foods has provided Owens Sausage with access to a broader range of resources and expertise, enabling the brand to continue to grow and innovate in the competitive food industry.

Tyson Foods has also focused on sustainability and responsible sourcing practices, ensuring that Owens Sausage products are produced in an environmentally friendly and ethically responsible manner.

The Brand Today: Owens Sausage Under Tyson Foods

Today, Owens Sausage remains a part of Tyson Foods, continuing to produce its signature sausage products while also exploring new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Tyson Foods has invested in modernizing Owens Sausage’s production facilities and optimizing its supply chain to ensure consistent quality and availability of its products.

The Owens Sausage brand continues to be a popular choice among consumers, who appreciate its authentic flavor, high-quality ingredients, and commitment to tradition.

Tyson Foods has also leveraged its marketing expertise to promote Owens Sausage through various channels, including advertising, social media, and promotional partnerships.

The Owens Sausage brand has expanded its product line to include a variety of sausage flavors and formats, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Tyson Foods has also focused on expanding the distribution of Owens Sausage to new markets and channels, making it available to a wider range of consumers.

Key Players in the Owens Sausage Story: A Recap

Understanding the ownership timeline helps appreciate the brand’s evolution. Here’s a brief recap of the key players involved in the Owens Sausage story:

• Bob Owens: The founder of Owens Country Sausage, who established the brand in 1928.
• Southland Corporation: The parent company of 7-Eleven, which acquired Owens Country Sausage in 1987.
• Sara Lee Corporation: A global food and beverage giant that acquired Owens Country Sausage from Southland Corporation in 1997.
• Tyson Foods, Inc.: One of the world’s largest food companies, which acquired Sara Lee’s refrigerated meats division (including Owens Sausage) in 2001, and remains the current owner.

The Impact of Ownership Changes on Owens Sausage

The various ownership changes throughout Owens Sausage’s history have had a significant impact on the brand, influencing its growth, product development, and marketing strategies.

Each new owner brought its own expertise, resources, and vision to the table, shaping the direction of the Owens Sausage brand and its position in the market.

The acquisition by Southland Corporation provided Owens Sausage with access to a broader distribution network and increased visibility, while the acquisition by Sara Lee brought about new product development and marketing initiatives.

The acquisition by Tyson Foods has provided Owens Sausage with access to a vast network of resources and expertise, enabling the brand to continue to grow and innovate in the competitive food industry.

These ownership changes have also influenced the company’s culture and operations, as each new owner has implemented its own management practices and strategies.

Despite these changes, Owens Sausage has maintained its commitment to quality, taste, and tradition, remaining a beloved brand among consumers for generations.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Quality and Flavor

The story of Owens Sausage is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship, the importance of quality, and the enduring appeal of Southern comfort food. From its humble beginnings as a family farm operation to its current position as a part of Tyson Foods, Owens Sausage has undergone significant changes in ownership and structure. But through it all, the brand has remained true to its core values, delivering delicious sausage products that are enjoyed by families across the country.

The question of “Who bought Owens Sausage?” has a multi-layered answer, reflecting the dynamic nature of the food industry and the constant pursuit of growth and innovation. Understanding this history provides valuable insight into the evolution of a beloved brand and its continued success in a competitive market. The legacy of Bob Owens lives on, ensuring that each bite of Owens Sausage delivers the same quality and flavor that made it a family favorite for generations. The current ownership under Tyson Foods ensures the brand continues to innovate and meet the evolving needs of consumers while maintaining its commitment to quality and taste.

Who founded Owens Sausage and when?

Owens Sausage was founded in 1928 by Bob Owens in Richardson, Texas. He initially started by selling sausage door-to-door and to local grocery stores. His dedication to quality and unique recipes quickly made Owens Sausage a local favorite and paved the way for its eventual growth and widespread popularity.

Bob Owens built the business on the principles of fresh ingredients and family recipes. This commitment to quality helped Owens Sausage expand from a local operation to a regional powerhouse within a few decades, establishing a strong brand reputation that remains associated with the company to this day.

When was Owens Sausage acquired by Bob Evans Farms?

Owens Sausage was acquired by Bob Evans Farms in 1987. This acquisition marked a significant turning point for Owens Sausage, providing access to greater resources, a wider distribution network, and expanded marketing capabilities. The merger allowed Owens Sausage to reach new markets and continue its growth trajectory under a larger corporate umbrella.

Bob Evans Farms saw strategic value in adding Owens Sausage to their portfolio. The acquisition enhanced their presence in the breakfast sausage market and allowed them to leverage the existing brand recognition and customer loyalty that Owens Sausage had cultivated over decades.

Why did Bob Evans Farms acquire Owens Sausage?

Bob Evans Farms acquired Owens Sausage to strengthen its position in the breakfast meat industry and expand its product offerings. Owens Sausage had a well-established reputation for high-quality sausage, a strong regional presence in the Southwest, and a loyal customer base. Acquiring Owens allowed Bob Evans to tap into these existing strengths.

The purchase was also driven by synergies in production, distribution, and marketing. By integrating Owens Sausage into their existing operations, Bob Evans Farms anticipated cost savings and increased efficiency. This aligned with their strategy of growth through strategic acquisitions and diversification of their product line.

When was Bob Evans Farms acquired, and what happened to Owens Sausage?

Bob Evans Farms was acquired by Post Holdings in 2017. Following the acquisition of Bob Evans Farms by Post Holdings, a significant restructuring occurred. Post Holdings decided to focus on its core cereal and snack businesses, leading to changes in the ownership structure of Bob Evans Farms’ food divisions, including Owens Sausage.

In 2017, after Post Holdings acquired Bob Evans Farms, the BEF Foods division, which included Owens Sausage, was sold to Swire Pacific Limited, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate. This sale meant that Owens Sausage became part of the Swire Pacific portfolio, marking another shift in its ownership history.

Who currently owns Owens Sausage?

Currently, Owens Sausage is owned by Swire Pacific Limited, a diversified conglomerate based in Hong Kong. Swire Pacific acquired BEF Foods from Post Holdings in 2017, which included the Owens Sausage brand and its associated operations. This acquisition expanded Swire Pacific’s presence in the North American food market.

As part of the Swire Pacific portfolio, Owens Sausage continues to operate as a distinct brand within the BEF Foods division. Swire Pacific’s ownership provides Owens Sausage with access to international resources and a broader global perspective, while maintaining its commitment to quality and its heritage.

Where are Owens Sausage products manufactured?

Owens Sausage products are primarily manufactured in plants located in the United States. The specific locations of these manufacturing facilities have varied over time as the company has grown and changed ownership. However, the core manufacturing operations remain within the US to ensure quality control and maintain supply chain efficiency.

While the ownership structure has evolved from Bob Owens to Bob Evans Farms and eventually to Swire Pacific, the production of Owens Sausage maintains a strong connection to its American roots. These plants continue to employ local workers and contribute to the economies of the communities in which they operate.

Has the quality of Owens Sausage changed with the changes in ownership?

Throughout the changes in ownership from Bob Owens to Bob Evans Farms and then to Swire Pacific, the core commitment to quality that defined Owens Sausage from its inception has largely been maintained. Each successive owner has recognized the importance of preserving the brand’s reputation for producing high-quality sausage using established recipes and processes.

While minor adjustments in ingredients or manufacturing techniques may have occurred over time due to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory changes, the fundamental dedication to delivering a consistent and flavorful sausage product has remained a priority. Customer feedback and brand loyalty continue to be key factors in ensuring the quality and appeal of Owens Sausage.