Hillshire Brands Enters Booming Premium Jerky Market With Acquisition Of Golden Island

Hillshire brands, whose product lines include Jimmy Dean sausages and Sara Lee frozen baked goods, announced it is entering the lucrative – $2 billion in annual sales – premium jerky market with the purchase of gourmet jerky maker Golden Island of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. The brand will be added to Hillshire’s gourmet group, which includes Aidell’s and Gallo. According to Hillshire, Golden Island Jerky is made with natural ingredients and contains no preservatives and less sodium than most jerkies. Terms of the sale were not disclosed; it is expected to close by the end of the month.