CHARLOTTE, NC. — Benestar Brands, a manufacturer of pork rinds, tortilla chips and pretzel bread products, has acquired San Francisco-based 4505 Meats, which specializes in the production of pork rinds and other protein-based snacks.
Benestar, the parent company behind pork rind brands that include Mac’s, Porq and Turkey Creek, tortilla chips under the Chicas and Cazo de Oro brands and Pretzilla pretzel bread products, was founded in 1947 and operates six production plants in the United States and one in Mexico.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded about 13 years ago by Ryan Farr, a butcher, chef, restaurateur and author, 4505’s retail-focused products are keto friendly, paleo certified and made from humanely raised pork that is antibiotic free. Mr. Farr hired Erick Havlick as chief executive officer of the company in late 2021. The innovative company recently launched 4505 Butcher’s Snacks, including a line of protein-rich, premium sausage snacks.
“We are very excited to be partnering with Ryan, Erik and the rest of the 4505 team,” said Bruce Myers, president of Benestar Brands, a subsidiary of Dallas-based private equity firm Highlander Partners. “4505 has quickly established itself as one of the most innovative and exciting brands in the salty snack industry.”
Jeff Partridge, executive chairman of Benestar and a partner at Highlander, added, “4505 created the premium pork rind category and established better-for-you standards that previously didn't exist. This addition to our portfolio of brands couldn't be a more appropriate fit.”