Our Story
The story of Tyson Foods is rooted in hard work, humility, and the purpose to feed a growing world and continually raise expectations for how much good food can do.
Tyson Foods, Founded in 1935
Is one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein.
We innovate continually to make protein more sustainable, tailor food for everywhere it is available and raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, United States, the company has 139,000 team members. Through its Core Values, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity, create value for its shareholders, customers, communities and team members and serve as a steward of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
Feeding the world
with purpose
We are passionate about food. We believe food is more than sustenance, it is a vehicle for good. As we continue to grow, we are embracing our responsibility to drive positive change, solve problems, and make the world a little better every day. Learn about the values that are key to who we are.
“From the beginning, our company has been built on faith, family, and hard work. That tradition, our Core Values, and ‘doing what’s right’ are deeply embedded in our culture.”
John Tyson, Chairman
WHERE WE CAME FROM
Our History
At Tyson Foods, we maintain a strong connection with our past. We believe our past helps inform our future, ensuring the culture that carried us then continues to fortify us now.
The 1930s
Early Days
1940 — 1949
Post-War Boom
During World War II, food rationing becomes an everyday reality. Poultry, however, is not rationed, and demand grows fast. John moves into the business of raising chicks and grinding feed for local chicken farmers. In 1947 John incorporates his growing business as Tyson Feed and Hatchery, Inc.
1960 — 1969
Going PublicGoing Public
In 1963, Don, now vice president, takes the company public as Tyson’s Foods, Inc. Under his leadership, the company begins an odyssey of acquisitions that grows Tyson Foods in every direction.
1980— 1989
Leaps And Bounds
In 1983, Tyson Foods acquires Mexican Original, Inc., a flour and corn tortilla processing plant in Fayetteville, Arkansas. By the end of 1989, the company has doubled in size in just five years, becoming the world’s largest fully-integrated producer, processor, and marketer of poultry-based food products.
2000 — 2009
Beyond Chicken
In 2000, Chairman John H. Tyson is also named CEO. In 2001, Tyson Foods acquired IBP, inc., becoming the world’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork. In November 2009, Donnie Smith, a 29-year veteran of Tyson Foods, is named CEO.
2010 — 2020
Reaching Out And Branching Out
The Tyson Foods story begins during the Great Depression. In 1931, John W. Tyson moves his family to Springdale, Arkansas, in search of new opportunities. He finds them, thousands of them, all feathered and squawking. He begins delivering chickens to larger markets in the Midwest.
1950 — 1959
Expansion And Vertical Integration
Meatpackers begin to base operations in Northwest Arkansas. Don and John decide that it is time to build their own processing plant. At a final cost of $90,000, the Randall Road plant opens in 1958, completing the vertical integration of the company.
1970 — 1979
Expansion And Vertical Integration
To kick off the decade, team members move into the new corporate offices in Springdale on Oaklawn Drive. In 1972, the company name changes to Tyson Foods, Inc., as we know it today. Along with the name change, we introduced a new look, the Tyson® oval.
1990 — 1999
Passing The Torch
Throughout the 1990s, Tyson Foods enters new markets worldwide including countries in Asia, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Rim. By the end of the decade, Don Tyson formally retires. John H. Tyson rises to serve as chairman of the board.
In August 2014, Tyson Foods completes its acquisition of The Hillshire Brands Company. In April 2017, Tyson Foods announces the acquisition of AdvancePierre Foods. In November 2018, Tyson Foods completes the acquisition of Keystone Foods, and in February 2019. Tyson Foods announces an agreement to acquire Thai and European Operations from BRF S.A.
The 1930s
Early Days
The Tyson Foods story begins during the Great Depression. In 1931, John W. Tyson moves his family to Springdale, Arkansas, in search of new opportunities. He finds them, thousands of them, all feathered and squawking. He begins delivering chickens to larger markets in the Midwest.
1940 — 1949
Post-War Boom
During World War II, food rationing becomes an everyday reality. Poultry, however, is not rationed, and demand grows fast. John moves into the business of raising chicks and grinding feed for local chicken farmers. In 1947 John incorporates his growing business as Tyson Feed and Hatchery, Inc.
1950 — 1959
Expansion And Vertical Integration
Meatpackers begin to base operations in Northwest Arkansas. Don and John decide that it is time to build their own processing plant. At a final cost of $90,000, the Randall Road plant opens in 1958, completing the vertical integration of the company.
1960 — 1969
Going PublicGoing Public
In 1963, Don, now vice president, takes the company public as Tyson’s Foods, Inc. Under his leadership, the company begins an odyssey of acquisitions that grows Tyson Foods in every direction.
1970 — 1979
Expansion And Vertical Integration
To kick off the decade, team members move into the new corporate offices in Springdale on Oaklawn Drive. In 1972, the company name changes to Tyson Foods, Inc., as we know it today. Along with the name change, we introduced a new look, the Tyson® oval.
1980— 1989
Leaps And Bounds
In 1983, Tyson Foods acquires Mexican Original, Inc., a flour and corn tortilla processing plant in Fayetteville, Arkansas. By the end of 1989, the company has doubled in size in just five years, becoming the world’s largest fully-integrated producer, processor, and marketer of poultry-based food products.
1990 — 1999
Passing The Torch
Throughout the 1990s, Tyson Foods enters new markets worldwide including countries in Asia, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Rim. By the end of the decade, Don Tyson formally retires. John H. Tyson rises to serve as chairman of the board.
2000 — 2009
Beyond Chicken
In 2000, Chairman John H. Tyson is also named CEO. In 2001, Tyson Foods acquired IBP, inc., becoming the world’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork. In November 2009, Donnie Smith, a 29-year veteran of Tyson Foods, is named CEO.
2010 — 2020
Reaching Out And Branching Out
In August 2014, Tyson Foods completes its acquisition of The Hillshire Brands Company. In April 2017, Tyson Foods announces the acquisition of AdvancePierre Foods. In November 2018, Tyson Foods completes the acquisition of Keystone Foods, and in February 2019. Tyson Foods announces an agreement to acquire Thai and European Operations from BRF S.A.
Our Story
From humble beginnings to protein pioneers.
Discover the real story of Tyson Foods.
Our Leadership
Our Leadership Team have deep industry and APAC experience. They use this expertise to guide our company.
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Giving Back
We are committed to help the communities we serve and where our team members work, live and play.
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