PURCHASE, N.Y. -- PepsiCo and Strauss Group are partnering to operate Sabra, the top-selling and fastest-growing maker of hummus, with sales approaching approximately $56 million through September of this year. Last year, total U.S. sales of hummus grew to $180 million.

The Sabra joint venture will produce and sell fresh dips and spreads in the United States and Canada, while drawing on both Strauss Group and Frito-Lay North America’s (FLNA) marketplace expertise to continue building this growing business. Sabra will expand FLNA’s role in providing healthier snack options and highlights the company's commitment to the on-trend fresh category. PepsiCo's FLNA division and Strauss will each own 50 percent of the business.

The joint venture will leverage Sabra, a top selling brand of hummus in the United States. These products, which have a strong presence in the Northeast and Florida, are currently distributed through a combination of independent sales brokers and distributors and its own refrigerated DSD system.

“Sabra is a wonderful opportunity to expand PepsiCo’s role in providing healthier options in snacking and the joint venture fits perfectly with PepsiCo’s ‘Performance with Purpose’ agenda by demonstrating our commitment to fresh dips and spreads,” Al Carey, FLNA president and CEO, said in a press release. “Sabra is already the leader in hummus, and I anticipate other Sabra fresh dips and spreads to make a similar positive impact on consumers.”

The transaction is expected to be finalized in early 2008.