Parripak takes a bigger slice of the market

Parripak Foods has expanded its operation across the UK with the acquisition of Gretna-based Solway Veg, which will become the company’s northern operation.

The two companies estimate that their combined sales total £35M. Parripak, which is based in Bedfordshire and is a member of the William Jackson Food Group, supplies freshly prepared vegetables and processed garlic to ready meal, pizza, soup and ethnic cuisine manufacturers.

Before the deal, Parripak had access to 65% of the UK food producing market. This has now increased to 95% and it will be able to deliver to customers anywhere in the UK within 24 hours.

Parripak md Gavin McNally said the acquisition offered several benefits. “As well as improved customer response time, we can also provide increased continuity, security and supply of quality vegetables. Our customers will also gain significant benefits from the enhanced networking infrastructure, which will help us reduce food miles - a cause we take extremely seriously.”

Parripak and Solway are working towards ensuring that their vegetable production is more environmentally friendly and both companies claim to share similar ethics.

“Solway’s md, Simon Blair, and I are confident this deal will provide mutual benefits, enabling significant levels of growth and security of supply to further strengthen the operation,” said McNally. “We have exciting plans in place for the future and I am delighted to say that Simon will join Parripak’s board of directors and will remain a key part of the business.”

Blair will become procurement director at Parripak, which also aims to retain the rest of Solway's staff.