Herr Foods

What Herr Foods does

Herr Foods Inc. is a privately held, family-owned snack food manufacturer founded in 1946 in Nottingham, Pennsylvania, and self-described as the largest privately owned snack food company in the United States. The company produces a diversified portfolio of branded salty snacks — potato chips (regular and kettle-cooked), pretzels, popcorn, cheese snacks/curls, tortilla chips, and onion rings — across more than 340 SKUs and 600 stock-keeping units, organized into sub-brands including Good Natured Selects (better-for-you, 2013), Go Lite! (lighter snacking, 2015), and the annual Flavored by Philly limited-edition campaign. Manufacturing is concentrated at two plants (Nottingham, PA and Chillicothe/Jackson, OH) plus a Clifton, NJ facility acquired via the 2015 Silk City Snacks deal, with operations featuring proprietary waste-recovery systems (steam, starch) and a recent Intralox end-of-line packaging modernization (2026) that raised throughput by 25% (120 to 150 cartons per minute) and added capacity for 600 SKUs across 20 production lines.

The company operates a hybrid B2B/B2C revenue model anchored by Direct Store Distribution (DSD) through 775 company-owned and distributor routes across a nine-state Mid-Atlantic footprint (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, and adjacent markets), supplemented by independent distributors outside the DSD region, a national direct-ship program, an e-commerce storefront (shop.herrs.com), international sales to over 49 countries, branded merchandise, and paid factory tours at its Nottingham visitor center ($8 adult / $4 youth). It also operates Herr Angus Farms (acquired 1983) as a vertically integrated byproduct recycling arm that converts rejected snack products and potato processing waste into premium beef sold to Philadelphia restaurants and butchers at up to $30/lb. Primary revenue comes from wholesale snack sales to retail grocery, convenience, and mass-merchant accounts; a smaller recurring revenue stream comes from consumer-direct channels, factory tour admissions, and ancillary beef sales.

The buyer base is structurally diversified: mass-market retail grocery is the dominant end-customer segment, served through thousands of individual store-level accounts, while premium restaurants (Talula's Garden, Urban Farmer) and butcher shops (Cappuccio's Meats) purchase Herr Angus Farms beef in a separate, much smaller channel. Internationally, sales are conducted through distributors to retailers across 49+ countries. Pricing is unit-based across product sizes (e.g., $2.69 for 2.375 oz limited-edition bags, $4.99 for 7.375 oz), with factory tour admissions priced by age band and shipping charged at UPS rates. Leadership transitioned across three generations of the Herr family, with current executive leadership comprising Ed Herr (Executive Chairman), Troy Gunden (President and CEO, grandson of founder), Jim E. Herr (SVP Sales, Marketing, R&D), and Jere Thomas (SVP Manufacturing and Supply Chain).

Name

Herr Foods

Legal name

Herr Foods Inc.

Website

https://herrs.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Herr Foods Inc. is a family-owned snack food manufacturer founded in 1946 in Nottingham, Pennsylvania, producing potato chips, pretzels, popcorn, cheese snacks, and tortilla chips across 600+ SKUs, distributed primarily via Direct Store Distribution (DSD) across a nine-state Mid-Atlantic region and exported to 49+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Snack Foods

NAICS

Snack Food Manufacturing (31191), Other Snack Food Manufacturing (311919), Food Manufacturing (311)

SIC

Food And Kindred Products (2000)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialty Snack Foods Manufacturing (Ethnic/Regional, Gourmet, Functional) (AFAKAIAO)

akta.pro secondary industry

Functional Snacks & Bars Manufacturing (High-Protein, High-Fiber, Probiotic Snacks) (AFAKAJAG)

Keywords

• Snack food manufacturing
• Potato chips production
• Direct store distribution
• Cheese snack products
• Kettle cooked chips

Headquarters

HQ city

Nottingham

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Snack Food Manufacturing and Sales: Herr Foods manufactures and sells snack products including potato chips, pretzels, popcorn, cheese snacks, tortilla chips, and other snacks through direct store distribution, independent distributors, and national direct ship channels
2. E-commerce/Online Store: Direct-to-consumer sales through the Herr's online store at shop.herrs.com, selling snack products and merchandise
3. Herr Angus Farms Beef Sales: Rejected snack products are fed to cattle at Herr Angus Farms; premium beef is sold to restaurants and butchers including Talula's Garden, Urban Farmer, and Cappuccio's Meats at premium prices (up to $30/lb for steaks)
4. Factory Tours: Visitor center and factory tours generate revenue through ticket sales (Adults $8, Youth $4) and gift shop merchandise sales

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Herr Foods manufactures and sells branded snack products including potato chips, kettle-cooked chips, cheese snacks (Crunchy Cheesy Chomz, Cheddaboom, cheese curls), popcorn, pretzels, tortilla chips, and onion rings. Products are sold through a 775-route Direct Store Distribution (DSD) network, independent distributors, national direct ship, international channels to 49+ countries, and a direct-to-consumer e-commerce store. The company also operates Snack Factory Tours at its Nottingham, Pennsylvania facility and sells Herr Angus Farms premium beef to restaurants and specialty butchers.

Product overview

Herr Foods Inc. is a family-owned snack food company offering a diversified portfolio of branded snack products. The core product line centers on potato chips (including regular and kettle-cooked varieties), cheese snacks (Crunchy Cheesy Chomz, Cheddaboom, Cheese Curls), popcorn, pretzels, and tortilla chips. The company has expanded through multiple product lines including Good Natured Selects (health-focused, 2013) and Go Lite! (lighter options, 2015). The annual Flavored by Philly community-driven flavor campaign generates limited-edition products that have included Long Hots & Sharp Provolone, Tomato Pie, and Special Hot Stromboli. Herr's operates 600+ SKUs across 20 production lines and produces more than 340 snack items, making it the largest privately-owned snack food company in the US. The company also offers Snack Factory Tours at its Nottingham facility and sells branded merchandise.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Good Natured Selects: Snack line introduced in 2013, focusing on better-for-you snack options
• Go Lite!
• Flavored by Philly

Products and services

• Potato Chips Herr's flagship product line featuring various flavors including Sour Cream & Onion, Barbecue, Salt & Vinegar, Old Bay, Pizza, Red Hot, Dill, and Cheddar Horseradish. Includes regular and kettle-cooked varieties. Sold to consumers through retail grocery stores, convenience stores, and online at shop.herrs.com.
• Kettle Cooked Potato Chips Thicker-cut potato chips cooked in kettles for extra crunch, featuring flavors like Jalapeño and other bold options. Sold to consumers through retail stores and online.
• Cheese Snacks (Crunchy Cheesy Chomz, Cheddaboom, Cheese Curls) Extruded cheese snacks including Crunchy Cheesy Chomz and Cheddaboom, as well as baked cheese curls featuring bold cheddar and cheese flavor profiles. Sold to consumers through retail and online channels.
• Popcorn Microwave and bagged popcorn varieties including flavors like Mexican Street Corn Popcorn and Sour Cream & Onion Flavored Popcorn. Sold to consumers through retail stores and online.
• Pretzels Various pretzel products including Pretzel Thins, Pub Style Pretzels, and other varieties. Sold to consumers through retail stores and online.
• Tortilla Chips Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips including white corn and other varieties. Sold to consumers through retail stores and online.
• Onion Rings and Other Snacks Crispy onion ring snacks and other additional snack products in the Herr's portfolio. Sold to consumers through retail stores and online.
• Flavored by Philly Limited Edition Chips Community-driven chip flavor campaign where Philadelphia fans vote on new flavors inspired by local food culture and small businesses. Winners have included Long Hots & Sharp Provolone, Tomato Pie (Corropolese), Special Hot Stromboli (Romano's), and 2026's Freedom Loaded Cheese Fries, Liberty Hickory Barbeque, and United Jalapeño Cream Cheese.
• Choose Your Own Variety Packs Customizable snack variety packs allowing customers to mix and match their favorite Herr's snacks across different flavors and product lines. Sold to consumers primarily through the Herr's online store.
• Pre-Assorted Variety Packs Pre-packaged variety snack assortments curated by Herr's featuring multiple snack types in single packages. Sold to consumers through retail stores and online.
• Good Natured Selects Health-focused snack line targeting consumers seeking better-for-you snack options. Includes products manufactured from the acquired Silk City Snacks operation.
• Go Lite! Lighter snacking options targeting health-conscious consumers seeking snack alternatives with reduced calories or fat content.
• Apparel and Merchandise Herr's branded merchandise including apparel (such as the Herr's Logo Crewneck Sweatshirt, 80% cotton/20% polyester blend with felt applique logo), hats, and souvenirs. Sold to consumers through the Herr's online store.
• Snack Factory Tours Guided factory tours at the Nottingham, Pennsylvania facility including visits to the production floor, history presentations, product sampling, and access to the gift shop. Tickets required in advance with 15-person capacity limits. Adults $8.00, Youth (4-17) $4.00, Child 3 & under FREE.
• Herr Angus Farms Premium Beef Premium beef from Herr Angus Farms cattle finished on rejected snack products, providing a distinctive flavor profile. Sold to high-end Philadelphia restaurants including Talula's Garden and Urban Farmer, as well as historic butcher Cappuccio's Meats (est. 1920). Steaks retail at up to $30/lb and ground beef at $6/lb.

Quantifiable outcome

• Throughput increased 25% after Intralox packaging upgrade (from 120 to 150 cartons per minute)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• IntraloxcoreTechnology or Integration · 26 February 2026Modernized end-of-line and palletizing operations with Intralox's sorting and conveyor technology, replacing a 25-year-old system. The upgrade increased throughput by 25% and expanded capacity to handle 600 SKUs.
• Conveyor & Automation TechnologiescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 26 February 2026Partnered with Intralox and Conveyor & Automation Technologies to implement the packaging line modernization project.
• Corropolese Italian Bakery & DeliminorStrategic or Co-development Partner2023 Flavored by Philly winner. Corropolese's Tomato Pie flavor was transformed into a chip variety, with $10,000 awarded to the small business.
• Romano's StromboliminorStrategic or Co-development Partner2024 Flavored by Philly winner. Romano's Special Hot Stromboli flavor became a limited-edition chip. The Philadelphia institution since 1950 won $10,000.
• Talluto'sminorStrategic or Co-development Partner2024 Flavored by Philly finalist. Talluto's Cheese Ravioli and Marinara flavor was one of three finalist flavors in the 2024 contest.
• Mom Mom's KitchenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner2024 Flavored by Philly finalist. Mom Mom's Kitchen Potato Pierogi flavor was one of three finalist flavors in the 2024 contest.
• Talula's GardenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPremium Philadelphia restaurant purchasing half cows from Herr Angus Farms for their farm-to-table menus. Executive chef noted 'pronounced beefy flavor' and 'excellent quality'.
• Urban FarmerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPhiladelphia restaurant serving Herr Angus Farms beef as part of their local sourcing initiative.
• Cappuccio's MeatsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHistoric Philadelphia butcher shop (est. 1920) purchasing half steer monthly, selling premium cuts ($30/lb steaks) and ground beef ($6/lb). Only butcher in Philadelphia carrying Herr's beef.
• Kyle SchwarberminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPhiladelphia Phillies slugger partnered with Herr's for the 2025 Flavored by Philly: Crunch Off campaign as the official chip of the Phillies, rallying fans to vote.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Utz Brands: Publicly traded regional salty snack maker (Utz, Zapp's, On The Border, Golden Flake) with a comparable product mix of chips, pretzels, and cheese snacks distributed via DSD on the U.S. East Coast. Most directly comparable peer given similar product categories, distribution model, and regional positioning.
• Snyder's-Lance (Campbell Snacks): Pretzel-anchored snack maker (Snyder's of Hanover, Lance, Cape Cod, Kettle Brand) under Campbell Soup. Direct competitor on pretzels and premium kettle chips with overlapping East Coast/Pennsylvania distribution roots.
• Wise Foods: Berkshire Hathaway-owned potato chip and snack maker with a strong Mid-Atlantic / Northeast heritage (Pennsylvania roots similar to Herr's). Directly comparable in product portfolio, regional brand identity, and retail-channel competition.
• Jays Foods: Chicago-based salty snack maker (Jays, O-Ke-Doke) historically known for regional DSD. Comparable as a legacy regional chip brand with overlapping grocery/convenience distribution dynamics.
• Cape Cod Chips: Premium kettle-cooked potato chip brand (Campbell-owned) with regional Northeast roots. Comparable as a small-batch, regional-flavor-positioned chip maker competing for similar retail and consumer occasions.
• Better Made Snack Foods: Independently owned Detroit-based potato chip and snack maker with a strong regional DSD model. Highly analogous business structure: family-controlled, regional brand, DSD-led, multi-product salty snack portfolio.
• Kettle Brand (Campbell): Premium kettle-cooked potato chip brand with a craft, ingredient-forward positioning. Comparable to Herr's kettle chip line on product format, premium positioning, and natural/gourmet channel placement.

Broad incumbents

• Frito-Lay (PepsiCo): Dominant U.S. salty snack incumbent (Lay's, Doritos, Ruffles, Tostitos, Cheetos, Fritos, Pretzels) operating the largest DSD network in the country. Competes head-to-head with Herr's on every shelf in its core Mid-Atlantic footprint.

Regional players

• Old Dutch Foods: Privately held, family-controlled regional chip and snack maker with strong roots in the Midwest and Canada. Comparable mid-sized independent snack manufacturer with regional DSD strength and similar product breadth.

Emerging players

• Late July Snacks: Better-for-you tortilla chip and snack brand (owned by Snyder's-Lance/Campbell). Comparable to Herr's "Good Natured Selects" and "Go Lite!" sub-brands as a healthier snack line within a larger portfolio.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Herr Foods