Key Stats
- Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson in Springdale, Arkansas
- Annual revenue of $53.3 billion in fiscal year 2024
- Approximately 138,000 employees worldwide as of 2024
- Second-largest processor of chicken, beef, and pork globally
- Operates four business segments: Chicken, Beef, Pork, and Prepared Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas. The company operates as one of the largest food producers globally. It processes and markets chicken, beef, pork, and prepared foods to customers worldwide.
Four generations of Tyson family leadership have guided the company from a small poultry operation to a protein industry leader. Major brands under the Tyson umbrella include Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Ball Park, Wright Brand, Aidells, and State Fair. The company serves retail grocers, foodservice distributors, restaurant operators, and international markets across more than 100 countries.
Tyson Foods History
Tyson Foods Co-founders
Tyson Foods Revenue
Tyson Foods generated $53.3 billion in revenue during fiscal year 2024. This represents a slight increase from the previous year. Revenue growth has been driven by pricing strategies and operational improvements across all protein segments.
Tyson Foods Marketcap
The company maintains a market capitalization of approximately $20 billion as of late 2024. Stock performance has fluctuated based on commodity prices and protein demand cycles. Tyson trades on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker symbol TSN.
Tyson Foods Acquisitions
Tyson Foods has grown significantly through strategic acquisitions over nine decades. The company’s expansion from a regional poultry producer to a global protein leader resulted from calculated purchases of competitors and complementary businesses.
The 2001 acquisition of IBP, Inc. for $3.2 billion stands as a transformative moment in company history. This purchase made Tyson the largest beef packer and second-largest pork processor in the United States. The deal included processing facilities across multiple states and established Tyson as a true multi-protein company. IBP brought expertise in beef and pork processing that complemented Tyson’s chicken operations.
In 2014, Tyson acquired Hillshire Brands for $8.55 billion after a bidding war with Pilgrim’s Pride. This transaction added iconic consumer brands including Jimmy Dean sausage, Ball Park hot dogs, and Hillshire Farm deli meats. The acquisition positioned Tyson as a leader in branded prepared foods and breakfast products. It significantly expanded the company’s retail presence and consumer-facing business.
The 2017 purchase of AdvancePierre Foods for approximately $3.2 billion strengthened Tyson’s prepared foods capabilities. AdvancePierre brought sandwiches and fully cooked protein products to the portfolio. Keystone Foods was acquired in 2018, adding foodservice supply chain expertise.
Earlier acquisitions helped build the foundation for growth. Holly Farms in 1989 made Tyson the largest U.S. poultry company. Other notable purchases include Hudson Foods, Wright Brand Foods, and Mexican Original. Companies like Cargill and Hormel Foods have pursued similar acquisition strategies in the protein industry.
Tyson Foods Competitors
Tyson operates in a competitive protein market facing pressure from domestic and international rivals. Major food companies like Smithfield Foods and ConAgra Foods compete across multiple product categories. The prepared foods segment also sees competition from General Mills and Kraft Heinz.
| Company | Primary Products | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|
| JBS S.A. | Beef, Pork, Chicken | Sao Paulo, Brazil |
| Cargill | Beef, Poultry, Food Ingredients | Wayzata, Minnesota |
| Pilgrim’s Pride | Chicken, Pork | Greeley, Colorado |
| Smithfield Foods | Pork, Packaged Meats | Smithfield, Virginia |
| Hormel Foods | Pork, Turkey, Prepared Foods | Austin, Minnesota |
| Perdue Farms | Chicken, Turkey | Salisbury, Maryland |
| National Beef | Beef | Kansas City, Missouri |
| Conagra Brands | Prepared Foods, Frozen Meals | Chicago, Illinois |
| Sanderson Farms | Chicken | Laurel, Mississippi |
| Maple Leaf Foods | Meat, Plant Protein | Mississauga, Canada |
FAQs
Who founded Tyson Foods?
John W. Tyson founded the company in 1935 in Springdale, Arkansas. He started by hauling chickens to larger Midwest markets during the Great Depression.
What products does Tyson Foods make?
Tyson produces chicken, beef, pork, and prepared foods. Major brands include Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Ball Park, and Wright Brand.
How many employees does Tyson Foods have?
Tyson Foods employs approximately 138,000 team members worldwide as of September 2024, with operations primarily in the United States.
What was Tyson’s largest acquisition?
The Hillshire Brands acquisition in 2014 for $8.55 billion was the largest. It added Jimmy Dean, Ball Park, and Hillshire Farm brands.
Is Tyson Foods publicly traded?
Yes, Tyson Foods trades on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker symbol TSN. The company went public in 1963.
