Utz Brands Targets $1.9B Sales In Long-Term Growth Plan

Company outlines goals for revenue, EBITDA, and free cash flow growth over next 5 years

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Utz Brands, the largest pure-play salty snack company in the U.S., outlined long-term targets including $1.9 billion in net sales potential and annual adjusted EBITDA growth of 6-8 percent with margin expansion to at least 17 percent. The company expects to reach over $100 million in annual adjusted free cash flow from 2027 onward, driven by supply chain transformation, geographic expansion, and increased marketing investment.

Why it matters

Utz's ambitious growth plans demonstrate its confidence in the salty snacks category and its ability to outpace the overall market. As a leading independent player, Utz's success could signal broader health in the snack food industry and provide a model for other regional brands looking to expand their national footprint.

The details

Utz has streamlined its manufacturing operations, reducing plants from 16 to 7 and boosting revenue per plant from $60 million to $207 million. The company employs a hybrid distribution model evenly split between direct store delivery and direct to warehouse, covering 125,000 retail outlets weekly. Marketing investments are rising with a 40% compound annual growth rate, aiming to reach 3-4% of sales long-term. The portfolio includes Utz, Boulder Canyon, On the Border, and other regional snack brands.

  • Utz Brands outlined the long-term targets at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference on February 18, 2026.
  • The company expects to reach over $100 million in annual adjusted free cash flow from 2027 onward.

The players

Utz Brands

The largest pure-play salty snack company in the U.S., headquartered in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Howard Friedman

CEO of Utz Brands.

BK Kelley

CFO of Utz Brands.

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What they’re saying

“As the largest pure-play salty snack company in the country, we are focused on driving growth faster than the category. We believe that prioritizing consistent topline growth, annual Adjusted EBITDA growth with margin expansion, and accelerating free cash flow will create shareholder value over time.”

— Howard Friedman, CEO (theshelbyreport.com)

What’s next

Utz Brands plans to continue its geographic expansion, particularly in California, by increasing distribution and product offerings in the region.

The takeaway

Utz Brands' ambitious growth targets and focus on supply chain optimization, brand portfolio expansion, and increased marketing investment signal the company's confidence in the salty snacks category and its ability to outpace the overall market as a leading independent player.