Flowers Foods, a producer of packaged bakery foods based in Thomasville, Georgia, has completed the acquisition of Papa Pita Bakery, a manufacturer and distributor of bagels, tortillas, breads, buns, English muffins and flat breads. Papa Pita Bakery will operate as an independent subsidiary of Flowers Foods.
“Papa Pita has been an important co-manufacturer of Flowers products for many years, and we expect the acquisition to drive further manufacturing and distribution synergies,” said Ryals McMullian, president and CEO of Flowers Foods. “We're looking forward to welcoming the passionate Papa Pita team to Flowers.”
Founded in 1983, Papa Pita operates a 270,000-square-foot facility in West Jordan, Utah. The company's primary brands include Papa Pita, Great Grains, Bubba's Bagels and Maya's Tortillas. In addition, the company has a co-manufacturing business as well as direct-store-distribution in the western United States, according to Flowers Foods.
“Papa Pita began as a family business and is an inspiring example of the American dream,” said McMullian. “Its leaders have grown the company strategically through product and category expansions. Additionally, its focus on exceptional product quality and operational excellence aligns strongly with the Flowers culture.”
Papa Pita will continue to operate out of its Utah facility, increasing Flowers' presence in the western United States, and Flowers plans to fund the transaction with cash on-hand and existing credit facilities, according to the company.
“Our success has been a direct result of the dedication of our hard-working team members, their ability to think big about what's possible and a constant focus on how we can grow,” said Farzad Mohebbi, president and CEO of Papa Pita. “Flowers shares these same traits, making our partnership a great fit.”
Thomasville, Ga.-based Flower Foods' brands include Nature's Own, Dave's Killer Bread, Wonder and Tastykake. The company is one of the largest U.S. packaged bakery producers, garnering sales of $4.1 billion in 2019.
Papa Pita Bakery produces bagels, tortilla, bread, bun, English muffins and pita bread in Salt Lake City. All of its products use non-GMO and all-natural ingredients.
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