South Africa: Premier Foods to acquire RFG Holdings

UK food manufacturer Premier Foods has announced plans to acquire South African food producer RFG Holdings through a share swap that will see RFG shareholders collectively owning approximately 22.5% of the enlarged Premier Group. Founded in 1896 in Groot Drakenstein, Western Cape, RFG specialises in convenience foods for local and global markets. Its portfolio includes […]
UK: Premier Foods to invest $25 million in Devon Ambrosia factory

UK food manufacturer Premier Foods has announced that it is investing £19 million ($25 million) in its Ambrosia factory located in Lifton, Devon to increase capacity and improve efficiency. This will be a three-year programme of investment, split into two stages. The first £9 million ($12 million) phase has modernised Ambrosia’s rice pudding and custard […]
UK: Premier Foods to acquire Merchant Gourmet for £48 million

UK food manufacturer Premier Foods has announced the acquisition of Merchant Gourmet, a UK convenience foods brand, for £48 million ($64.6 million). Founded in 1995, Merchant Gourmet is described as having market leading positions in pulses and grains, in addition to offering microwaveable rice and ready meals, with most of its products sold in pouches. Commenting on the […]
UK: Premier Foods acquires breakfast foods brand Fuel10k

UK food manufacturer Premier Foods has announced the acquisition of breakfast brand Fuel10K in a deal worth £34 million ($41.2 million). The Fuel10k range includes granola, porridge, biscuits, and high-protein snacks, and has reportedly recorded strong double-digit revenue growth over the last three years. Commenting on the acquisition, Premier Foods chief executive officer Alex Whitehouse […]
UK: Premier Foods to acquire The Spice Tailor

UK food manufacturer Premier Foods Plc has announced the acquisition of 100% of The Spice Tailor, a maker of Indian and South East Asian meal kits and accompaniments, for an initial consideration of £43.8 million ($52.4 million). In a statement, Premier Foods said the Spice Tailor would benefit from increased levels of marketing investment to drive product […]
UK: Premier Foods mulling sale of Ambrosia brand

Premier Foods, the UK food manufacturer, is mulling the sale of its Ambrosia custard and desserts brand as it continues to look at ways of reducing its debt burden. The company made the announcement as it reported a statutory loss after tax of £700,000 ($910,000) for the first half of its financial year, despite growing revenue by 1.3% […]
UK: Premier Foods launches Bisto Foil Bakes

Premier Foods, the UK food manufacturer, has announced an extension to its Bisto brand range with the launch of Bisto Foil Bakes. According to the company, each product includes a packet of flavouring mix and a foil bag complete with a steam vent window. Consumers are instructed to use chicken, fish or meat, rub it with […]
Helen Warren-Piper, Marketing Director
Premier Foods

Gama spoke to Helen Warren-Piper, Marketing Director, Premier Foods. What key trends do you expect to shape food innovation in 2016? Health, convenience, indulgence and real food are all still key trends that have a major impact on the FMCG market. Other factors influencing food innovation are of course the sugar debate, reduced salt and […]
UK: Premier Foods acquires entirety of Knighton Foods

UK food manufacturer Premier Foods has acquired the remaining 51% of its Knighton Foods joint venture for a nominal sum, according to a report in Insider Media. The joint venture with dry food processor Specialty Foods, was established in 2014 following the transfer of approximately £16 million of private label and business-to-business sales of powdered […]
UK: McCormick decides against offer for Premier Foods

McCormick, the US spice and seasoning firm, has announced that it no longer intends making an offer to acquire the UK-based food manufacturer Premier Foods. Premier Foods had reportedly rebuffed three approaches from the American firm before announcing last week that it had entered “constructive” talks regarding a possible takeover. The latest offer put forward by McCormick […]