Symington’s strengthens couscous position with Sammy’s purchase

Symington’s, the Leeds-based dried food manufacturer, has acquired the Sammy’s couscous brand from Bristol-based First Quality Foods for an undisclosed sum.

The move, which is a ‘full asset deal’ and will involve the transfer of production equipment over the next couple of months, will see the Sammy’s brand integrated into the Symmington’s facilities and strengthen its position in the flavoured couscous market.

Symington’s is led by chief executive David Salkeld, who together with marketing director Henrik Nygaard Pade acquired the company in a management buy-in last September. The deal was funded by Hermes Private Equity and Yorkshire Bank.

Symington’s produces a variety of dried foods, including rice, pasta, soups, snacks, gravy, stuffing and couscous. The business already includes branded products, such as Ainsley Harriott and Crosse & Blackwell.

Salkeld said: “This is a strategic acquisition for us, which confirms our commitment to developing the business in our key sector of ambient dried foods, where we feel we can add value. We are also investing heavily in new product development, doubling our team and completing a £2M capital investment spend in our factory.”

Investment at the Leeds plant has centred on the installation of a high-speed filling line, as a replacement for five older machines.

Salkeld added that Symington’s was looking for further acquisitions. “While it is a time of huge turbulence in the food manufacturing market, Symington’s is bucking this trend with confident growth expectations and ambition.”