Symington’s gets bigger slice of sector

Symington’s, which has sites in Leeds and Bradford, and employs around 600 people, said the acquisition further strengthens Symington’s position in the home baking category and complements its existing portfolio of brands which includes James Martin and Aunt Bessie’s.

Turnover for Symington’s was £125m for the year to the end of February 2012, while family-owned Victoria Foods, which is a specialist in cake and baking mixes, as well as mixes for desserts and drinks, recorded a turnover of £12m for the year to the end of March 2012.

Its portfolio ranges from own label brands to associations with brands including Jane Asher and Nestle.

David Salkeld, chief executive at Symington’s, said: “The Victoria Foods acquisition is a positive step forward in strengthening our position in the home baking category and we welcome Dan Ross to the team at Symington’s. Our two companies have a proven track record of success in this growing category and working together we are very well placed to continue to surprise and delight our consumers who enjoy baking at home.”

Dan Ross, managing director at Victoria Foods, said: “Victoria Foods has performed consistently since its inception 30 years ago and we are looking forward to helping grow the business, under the Symington’s name to further develop the home baking category as a whole.”

Victoria Foods is based in Leigh, Lancashire.