OVERLAND PARK, Kan., & PONCA CITY, Okla.—July 6, 2021--Head Country Inc. and Old World Spices and Seasonings today announced that Head Country has been acquired by Old World.

Old World Spices and Seasonings and Head Country will together pursue wider availability of Head Country products, together with meeting the increased demand for the award-winning line-up of BBQ sauces, seasonings, and marinade that made Head Country a household name in the south-central U.S.

Production and distribution at Head Country will continue without interruption. Head Country products will still be produced at the plant in Ponca City, Okla., at 2116 N. Ash. Head Country employs 35.

Born in the heartland of America’s best BBQ traditions, Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce has been a regional favorite for nearly 75 years. Head Country has grown to be a leading producer of BBQ sauces, seasonings, and marinade.

Head Country has been the market share leader in Oklahoma for more than a decade. In recent years, demand for Head Country products has spiked, landing Head Country as the thirdlargest market share holder in the South Central region, the fifth-largest in Dallas, and in the top 10 nationwide.

Old World brings its powerhouse experience in world-class flavor development in dry seasonings and mixes and leadership in BBQ to sauce production at Head Country. The partnership represents an unprecedented investment in the Head Country brand.

Old World Spices and Seasonings, which started with the Jungk family in 1977, is a manufacturer of customblended spices, private-label seasonings, dry food products, and sauces. Old World is based in Overland Park, Kan.

Old World established leadership in the BBQ space with its Championship Line of BBQ seasonings, rubs, and sauces, a program that now boasts more than 150 SKUs in about 3,000 hardware and sporting-goods stores. Old World now also partners with some of the most recognizable brands in the BBQ seasonings category. Between its manufacturing facility in Concordia, Mo., and its headquarters in Overland Park, Kan., Old World employs 135.

“We have great respect for Head Country and the strong business its employees have built. We’re determined to make Head Country available for as many BBQ lovers as possible. Everybody should be able to enjoy what folks in our country’s heartland have long known—that Head Country is the difference between a meal and a celebration,” said Russ Meinhardt, Old World Spices and Seasonings CEO. “We’re excited to spread the word about Oklahomastyle BBQ. The plan is to take Head Country to new customers, without compromising its long-held commitment to the highest standards. We’re thrilled about this opportunity. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get started,” said Ken Rhodes, Chief Commercial Officer at Old World.

Amanda Emerson, with Head Country since 2014 and its current General Manager, joins Old World Spices and Seasonings as its Chief Marketing Officer.

“We’re eager to show everyone who swears by Head Country that we’re committed to our traditions,” Emerson said. “We were raised on these sauces and seasonings. Our partnership with Old World Spices and Seasonings will help us reach more BBQ fans with the premium flavors we know and love.”

Head Country remains committed to its local community. As the team in Ponca City continues to produce best-selling BBQ sauces and seasonings, Head Country will continue its involvement in area events and with charitable organizations.

About Head Country

Head Country was born in the Heartland of America’s best BBQ traditions. With nine sauces, three Championship seasonings, and a premium, all-purpose marinade, Head Country is a top-10 best-selling sauce in the nation, No. 3 in the South-Central region, and No. 1 in Oklahoma. All Head Country products are vegetarianand vegan-friendly and are gluten-free. Head Country is based in Ponca City, Okla.

About Old World Spices and Seasonings

Old World is a manufacturer of custom blended spices, seasonings, ingredients, dry food products, and sauces for retail, food service, and industrial customers. The company offers research and development and co-development support, manufacturing services, and packaging to more than 1,000 customers. Old World operates out of an SQF certified, 78,000sf facility in Concordia, Mo., with a corporate office and center for research and development in Overland Park, Kan.