C.H. Guenther acquires House-Autry Mills to expand dry-mix flavor portfolio
The transaction expands C.H. Guenther’s ingredient portfolio and strengthens its position in products associated with authentic Southern flavours.
USA – C.H. Guenther & Son LLC has acquired House-Autry Mills Inc., expanding its presence in baking products, ingredients and dry-mix flavor solutions for foodservice, retail and private-label customers.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal brings together two longtime companies in the baking and grain-based foods sectors.
Founded in 1812, House-Autry is headquartered in Four Oaks, North Carolina, and operates manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and Georgia.
The company produces breaders, batters, hushpuppy mixes, pancake and waffle mixes, biscuit and cornbread mixes, gravies, seasonings, marinades, grits and other dry-mix products.
Its operations also include custom formulation, blending, packaging, research and development, and culinary innovation for customers across foodservice, retail, and private-label channels.
The acquisition gives San Antonio-based C.H. Guenther additional capabilities in dry-mix manufacturing and custom flavor development.
The company said House-Autry’s products and manufacturing capabilities complement its existing portfolio of grain-based and frozen foods, while its manufacturing, logistics and distribution infrastructure could support wider market reach for the acquired business.
Rod Hepponstall, president and chief executive officer of C.H. Guenther, said House-Autry brings established customer relationships, custom formulation expertise and a long-standing reputation for quality and service.
He added that the combination is intended to support customer innovation and the development of customized food products.
For House-Autry, the transaction marks a new phase for a business that has developed from a small North Carolina grist mill into a manufacturer serving consumers and commercial food customers. The company merged with Autry Bros.
Milling in 1967 to form House-Autry Mills and expanded into breaders and mixes during the 1970s.
It later moved its principal operations to Four Oaks and established a second manufacturing site in Hogansville, Georgia.
Derrick Marconi, president and CFO of House-Autry, said joining C.H. Guenther would provide opportunities to invest in capabilities and expand the company’s reach while maintaining its Southern-focused product portfolio and customer relationships.
The transaction is the latest in C.H. Guenther’s acquisition-led expansion. The company, founded in Texas in 1851, has more than 5,000 employees across more than 30 manufacturing locations in the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. Its brands include Pioneer, White Wings, Sun-Bird, Mi Rancho and Cuisine Adventures.
House-Autry becomes the second acquisition announced by C.H. Guenther in 2026, following its acquisition of Canadian flour tortilla manufacturer Les Aliments Mejicano.
The company also acquired Fresca Mexican Foods in 2025 as it continued expanding its grain-based food and bakery portfolio.
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