Utz Brands Inc. announced the purchase of certain distribution rights in the central Florida region from an existing third-party direct-store delivery distributor, National Food Corp. The price of the transaction was not disclosed.
This acquisition of 21 DSD routes provides Utz with an opportunity to accelerate the company’s share of the salty snack category across central Florida, including Orlando, Tampa and Sarasota.
As a large and vibrant market, Florida ranks as the third-largest state for salty snack sales. In 2020, retail sales of salty snacks in Florida were $1.8 billion, increasing +7.7% over the prior year.
Utz has a growing presence in the Florida region with 2020 retail sales of $48 million that increased +16.6%, according to IRI. This represents only 2.6% of the Florida retail market, well under Utz’s national share average of 4.8%.
Over the past decade, Utz has been collaborating with Florida retailers to expand its presence and increase distribution. This has boosted growth of Utz’s Power Brands, which include Utz, Zapp’s and On The Boarder Chips & Dips, among others.
