Acquisition of Solway Veg gives Parripak Foods access to 95% of UK food producing market

June 5, 2008 - PRLog -- 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 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 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."


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.   Parripak grow a percentage of their vegetables on their farm and both companies are working pro-actively towards producing 'greener' vegetables 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 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."  



- e n d s -



300dpi images available

Media contact:  For more information or to arrange photographs or interviews please contact Val Jefferys at Ultimedia Public Relations on 01767 601621 or email: val@ultimediapr.co.uk



Notes to editor:

MD Gavin McNally is available for telephone or 1-2-1 interview via media contact



Future operational plans include:

·         Utilising onion waste as a source for renewal energy

·         Eliminating waste to landfill sites

·         Further reducing food miles by using local growers

·         Optimising transportation within the Group



Parripak Foods was established in 1987 as a diversification enterprise to a family firm specialising in the growing and pre-packing of onions and shallots.
Parripak Foods became part of the William Jackson Food Group in 2006.  The Group includes Aunt Bessie's, Jackson's Bakery, Hazeldene Foods and Kwoks Foods
Managing director, Gavin McNally joined Parripak in September 2007 as part of an inter-group promotion within the William Jackson Food Group

Website: www.ultimediapr.co.uk