Greencore ups its slice of UK market

Greencore has increased its presence in the British food market with the purchase of International Cuisine Ltd (ICL), a Durham-based private label chilled ready-meal business, for an undisclosed sum.

The deal marks the third significant acquisition this year for the Dublin-headquartered convenience food giant, following its US acquisitions of convenience food company MarketFare and snack foods specialist HC Schau & Son in the first half.

Greencore has bought ICL from rival convenience food group, Hain Daniels — which itself yesterday agreed to buy the sweet spreads and jellies arm of debt-laden group, Premier Foods.