Prepared Veg Leader Buys Solway
 

Bedfordshire-based specialist food processors, 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. This acquisition means that Parripak can now deliver to customers anywhere in the UK, and provide a maximum delivery turnaround time of 24 hours from placement of order.

Celebrating its 21st year in business, Parripak is one of the largest suppliers of freshly prepared vegetables to the ready meal market.  Prior to the acquisition the company had geographical access to 65% of the UK food producing market; this has now increased to 95%.

Parripak’s managing director, Gavin McNally explained the benefits of the merger for their customers. He said: “As a single source we can now provide our customers with national coverage from both sites offering an extensive range of freshly prepared vegetables and fruits – a service no other competitor in the country can offer.  As well as improved customer response time, we will also have a far greater networking infrastructure. This will provide significant cost savings through reduced transport costs which in turn will reduce food miles, a cause we take extremely seriously.”

Shared Synergy

Parripak and Solway are complementary businesses and both enjoy an excellent reputation for the quality and supply of freshly prepared products.  They also share the same business model, ethos and values as well as customers and suppliers.

Both companies operate in a green environment, whereas many competitors are situated on industrial sites.   They each grow a percentage of their vegetables on their own farms and work pro-actively towards producing ‘greener’ products ensuring 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.

Added McNally: “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 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.”