05 Nov 2007


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Symington's buys out health food business

Source : Symington's
Food manufacturers Symington's have announced further expansion following the acquisition of a specialist health food business.

Symington’s have bought out the dry mix operation of Hain Celestial – formerly known as Haldane Foods – for an undisclosed sum.

The move comes just five weeks after Symington’s was acquired by a new management team in a deal worth more than £40m.

The purchase of Hain Celestial’s dry mix operation sees Symington’s taking over the Barrow based production centre from Hain Celestial and will enable the company to increase its stake in the growing health food and vegetarian sector.

Main products in the acquisition are couscous, sport nutrition, snack pots and vegetarian meals. Brands acquired include Granose, Realeat, Direct Foods, Organic and Amazing Grains.

Symington’s currently produce a wide range of soups, rice, couscous, noodles and sauces under the Ainsley Harriott, Crosse & Blackwell and Symington’s brands.

Symington’s was founded in 1827 and is credited with inventing instant soup using pea flour – a recipe which sustained British troops in the Crimea and was used by Scott in his Antarctic expedition.

Henrik Pade, Marketing Director for Symington’s said: “This acquisition fits in well with our operation and will enable Symington’s to engage with customers in the vegetarian and health food sectors.

“The dry mix brands we have acquired have a strong presence in major supermarkets as well as leading players in the health food sector such as Holland & Barrett.

“Haldane Foods has a strong heritage and brands such as Granose have a 100 year history which is entirely in line with our underlying business proposition of combining the best of British tradition and innovation in all our products.”

Symington’s Chief Executive David Salkeld added: “I am delighted to have been able to close this deal so quickly and I am grateful to the excellent support of our financial partner Hermes who along with Yorkshire Bank have demonstrated their commitment to our business expansion strategy.”

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