Discover the Chinese Companies Behind Your Favorite Iconic Food Brands!

The connection between the United States and China is complex and constantly changing. Even if you don’t follow politics, China’s actions might affect you more than you think—especially when you shop for groceries. Tariffs on food could raise prices, and some voices warn that China-owned brands could pose a security threat, impacting our food and energy supplies.

Many familiar brands are actually owned by Chinese companies. For instance, you might be surprised to learn that brands like GE, AMC, and even some food staples in your home are under Chinese ownership.

Eckrich

Eckrich may sound American, but its roots trace back to Germany. Peter Eckrich began his journey in Indiana in the 1800s, and over the years, the brand changed hands several times. Today, it belongs to WH Group, a Chinese firm that acquired Smithfield Foods in 2013. Recently, some consumers reacted strongly to this ownership. In 2024, a meat shop in Ohio stopped selling Eckrich items, citing concerns about their Chinese ownership and its ties to the state-owned Bank of China.

Armour

Armour is another iconic brand with a history dating back to 1867 in Chicago. Initially American-owned, it was acquired by various companies until it fell under WH Group’s umbrella as well. Some officials worry that this ownership allows the Chinese Communist Party to expand its influence, particularly through extensive land purchases for factory farming.

Smithfield

You might know Smithfield as a leading pork producer, but it became Chinese-owned after a $4.7 billion acquisition by WH Group in 2013. As of 2023, over 80% of Chinese-owned U.S. farmland is linked to Smithfield. This extensive land control has raised concerns about food supply security across America.

Nathan’s Famous

Nathan’s Famous hot dogs evoke images of American barbecues, but their production is tied to Smithfield’s operations. While Nathan’s started as a family-run business, it became part of a Chinese-owned brand when Smithfield took over. Recent debates flared as some worry about potential espionage due to the ownership, especially after past controversies faced by Smithfield, such as labor allegations.

Filippo Berio

Filippo Berio olive oil is a household name. Though it boasts Italian roots, the brand is mainly owned by China’s Bright Food Group since 2014. This purchase underscores China’s ambition to tap into Italian brands, especially given the rising demand for olive oil in China.

Vita Coco

Pioneering natural coconut water in the U.S., Vita Coco has a notable presence in grocery stores. However, it now has a 25% share owned by China’s Reignwood Group after a $165 million investment in 2014, allowing the brand to explore international markets. This investment indicates China’s growing interest in diversifying its beverage offerings.

Voss

Voss water, known for its premium positioning, is another brand influenced by Chinese investment. After Reignwood acquired a majority stake in 2016, the brand began to expand in the Chinese market, even as it faced financial challenges in the U.S.

Overall, the intricate web of ownership among popular grocery brands raises questions about national identity, security, and consumer awareness in a globalized economy. Understanding these connections helps us make more informed choices, not just at the store but in the broader conversation about trade and safety.

For more detailed insights on China’s ownership of American brands, you can read the full article [here](https://www.thetakeout.com/1919722/iconic-food-brands-owned-by-china/).

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