Taylor’s Snacks acquires Yorkshire popcorn maker

27-Sep-2022 - Last updated on 27-Sep-2022 at 10:52 GMT

South Yorkshire Foods has been acquired by Taylor's Snacks

Taylor’s Snacks has acquired South Yorkshire Foods, securing 60 jobs in the process.

The snack maker has purchased the business and assets of the Sheffield-based popcorn manufacturer, reportedly the largest independent popcorn producer in the UK.

Taylor’s – soon to be re-branded from Mackie’s Potato Crisps – has also secured 60 jobs at the site, bringing the firm’s headcount to 120 and bringing popcorn production in-house.

James Taylor, managing director of Taylors Snacks, said: “The addition of the popcorn manufacturing business makes for a really exciting time to be at Taylors. South Yorkshire Foods produces a high-quality product packed with flavour, something we pride ourselves on at Taylors Snacks.

Extending range

“The new business move will not only add an array of dedicated, talented staff, it will also add to our ever-extending range of products. It made sense right away.”

Taylors’ popcorn will be produced at South Yorkshire Foods’ existing factory. The acquisition will also see Taylors Snacks takeover the production and distribution of South Yorkshire Foods’ ‘Big Night In’ range, which is listed in the likes of Asda, Iceland and B&M.

“It’s another milestone of growth for us at Taylors Snacks, expanding the business in multiple ways is top of our agenda and we’re glad to be making positive steps towards that,” Taylor added.

Welcoming new staff

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the new staff into what is an incredible team here at Taylors Snacks. By working hard to create a product that customers around the country love, we’re certain that the purchase of South Yorkshire Foods will be a huge success, adding value and quality to our already much-loved snack range.”

Taylors Snacks was previously known as Mackie’s at Taypack, a joint venture between the Taylor family and leading ice cream producer Mackie’s of Scotland founded in 2009.

The Taylor family purchased the remaining shares of the snacking business earlier in 2022 year and will move all produce over to new Taylor Snacks branding from summer 2023. Its crisp range will continue to be produced in Perthshire, Scotland.

Meanwhile, McCain Foods has acquired Neverlands-based frozen food firm Scelta Products for an undisclosed sum as it continues to expand in the frozen vegetable appetiser space.