Smith's Snackfood acquires Australian snack maker

10/08/05 Australia, The Smith's Snackfood Company, Australia's leading snack maker, has announced it has acquired Sakata Rice Snacks Australia.

Smith's, which is part of PepsiCo International, is the leader in Australia's salty snack market. Its largest brands include Smith's, Doritos, Twisties, Red Rock Deli, Parkers and Nobby's.

Sakata is the market leader in rice snacks, a snack category that has enjoyed rapid growth over the last several years.  Its products includeSA..KA..TA Rice Crackers, Snakatas, Occasions and the new Apero range, all of which are made in Australia.

Smith's has acquired all assets of Sakata in Australia, including its manufacturing facility in North Laverton, Victoria, which will continue to produce Sakata products.  Smith's also has acquired worldwide rights, excluding Japan, to manufacture, distribute and market Sakata products.

PepsiCo International comprises all of the businesses outside the United States and Canada of PepsiCo, one of the world's largest food and beverage companies.  PepsiCo's portfolio includes 16 brands that each generates retail sales in excess of A$1.3 Billion (US$1 billion), including Pepsi, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lay's, Doritos and Quaker.

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