Bedfordshire-based supplier of freshly prepared vegetables to the ready meal market, Parripak Foods, a member of the William Jackson Food Group, has announced the acquisition of Gretna-based Solway Veg Ltd, which will become the company's northern operation.
The acquisition gives Parripak the ability to deliver to customers anywhere in the UK, and provide a maximum delivery turnaround time of 24 hours from placement of order.
Currently celebrating its 21st year in business, prepared food specialist Parripak already had geographical access to 65 per cent of the UK food producing market; this has now increased to 95 per cent.
Parripak's managing director, Gavin McNally said: "As a single source we will provide our customers with national coverage, and will employ the highest technical standards to provide an extensive range of top quality freshly prepared vegetables from both sites.
“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 both supply freshly prepared products. “They also share the same business model, ethos and values as well as customers and suppliers,” said a statement this morning.
Parripak grows a percentage of its vegetables on its farm and both companies are working pro-actively towards producing 'greener' vegetables to ensure that their operations are environmentally friendly. As an example, both companies use their own bore holes to wash the vegetables then use their effluent plant to treat the water, which is then recycled.
McNally added: "Many of our competitors are struggling but Parripak is financially secure, which is proven by this acquisition. Both Solway's managing director, Simon Blair and I are confident that this deal will provide mutual benefits, enabling significant levels of growth and security and supply, to further strengthen the operation. 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."
