PHOENIX, Ariz. – Warren Panico was elected by the Bar-S Foods board of directors to serve as president and chief operating officer effective immediately. Previously executive vice president, he will report to chairman and CEO Tim Day. Panico will gradually assume all responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the company and its seven brands.

Panico has been a senior executive at Bar-S Foods for the last 14 years. He was responsible for managing the operations and distribution functions, and more recently, oversaw sales and marketing activities.


“Warren’s appointment is an important step to ensure that our organization is properly structured for the future with sound leadership succession in place,” Day said. “We are certain that Warren’s vast experience and capabilities will prove invaluable in this new position.”

The 2010 acquisition of Bar-S Foods by Sigma Alimentos has formed the largest processed meat company by volume in North America.

Phoenix, Ariz.-based Bar-S Foods operates five production plants and several warehouses and direct-distribution centers. Its product lines include franks, lunchmeats, bacon, dinner sausages, corn dogs, hams and dairy products. The company employs more than 2,400 people and markets seven brands — Bar-S, FUD, Longmont, La Chona, Nortenita, Playero and El Cazo.