Jacob Food Group buys Real Irish Food Co

The Jacob Fruitfield Food Group has bought the Real Irish Food Company today.

Jacob Fruitfield formed following the acquisition of Nestle Ireland in 2002 and the subsequent acquisition of the Jacob’s biscuit business in Ireland from Groupe Danone in August 2004.

The Irish-owned company owns a strong portfolio of high profile Irish brands including Jacob’s; Fruitfield; Chef; Scots Clan; and Silvermints, manufactured in its two factories in Tallaght, Dublin.

The acquisition includes the manufacturing facility in Drogheda..

Speaking at the announcement of the deal, Michael Carey Chief Executive of the Jacob Fruitfield Food Group said: "We are delighted with this latest acquisition, adding a new dimension to the Group. It provides us with a flexible innovative development facility; it allows us to grow more rapidly on our core mainstream brands and it gives us an entry into the developing speciality food sector."

The price paid for the business was not disclosed.

Sales in 2004 for the Jacob Fruitfield Food Group were €105m and the group employs over 500 people.