The company, which has a turnover of £6m, will join Tayto’s other pork scratchings brand, Mr Porky. Cunliffe will continue to lead the business, as well as taking on the role of chief operating office for pork within the new parent company.
Tayto chief executive Paul Allen said the acquisition was an excellent fit for the company.
“It gives us a great brand to add to our portfolio in a market segment which continues to grow especially with those seeking a ‘high in protein’ snack,” he said. “We already produce REAL crisps and this will complement that range really well.
Growth of the business
“It also helps with our growth and the scale of our business. This means we now have a third production facility in Tamworth to add to our other two pork production sites in Westhoughton and Wolverhampton.”
Organic growth and acquisition were always key to Tayto’s development strategy, added Allen and the acquisition of The Real Pork Crackling Company was another phase of that plan.
The purchase followed a string of acquisitions made by the snack producer since last year, as it firmly cemented itself as the third largest snack manufacturer in the UK.
Previous acquisitions
Last month, the Golden Wonder owner acquired Northern Ireland-based popcorn company Pop Notch for an undisclosed sum. The deal included Pop Notch’s trademark, brand name and machinery, with all assets moved to Taytos Devon site.
Tayto added Devon-based popcorn firm Portlebay to its portfolio in February last year after acquiring a 75% holding in the company. It also bought Tavern Snack in London.
Meanwhile, last month, KP Snacks agreed to acquire premium crisp brand Tyrrells from US confectionery giant The Hershey Company for an undisclosed sum, less than a year after owner Amplify Snacks Brands' sale to the chocolate-maker.