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Utz Brands a player in the US salty snacks market, has announced the completion of its acquisition of approximately 65 direct-store delivery routes in South Florida from National Food Corp.

The newly acquired routes span major urban areas, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Naples and Fort Myers. This acquisition marks Utz's second transaction with National Food Corp, following a previous purchase of 21 routes in Central Florida in March 2021.

With this latest addition, Utz now manages over 200 independent operator-run routes throughout Florida, underscoring its commitment to expanding its presence in the state.

Florida is a crucial market for Utz, ranking as the third largest US state in salty snack sales, with retail figures reaching $2.6 billion. Since 2021, the company has seen its retail sales in Florida grow to $103 million, reflecting a robust compounded annual growth rate of 28%.

Despite this growth, Utz's market share in Florida remains below the average for its core geographies, presenting a significant opportunity for further expansion.

Howard Friedman, CEO of Utz Brands, commented: “Our focus on strengthening our regional foothold and enhancing customer relationships in Florida is critical".

He continued: "This acquisition not only supports our distribution strategy but also allows us to offer our portfolio of iconic snacking products to a broader consumer base”.

To support this expansion, Utz plans to increase its investment in Florida, including enhancements to distribution facilities and sales management, as well as improvements in service efficiency and route coverage.

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