Mexican food group Gruma has expanded its US business with the purchase of the tortilla business of Albuquerque Tortilla Co. for US$8.8m.

Gruma, which owns tortilla maker Mission Foods as well as Azteca Milling in the US, said that the deal would expand its footprint in the country, which is its largest market.

“Our strategy has been to focus on expanding sales in the United States, which is our most important market,” a spokesperson for the Mexican firm told just-food. “Our focus is to grow our branded tortilla operations throughout the country.”