Tayto buys Red Mill snack foods

Crisps and snacks company Tayto has been on the acquisition trail again.

The firm, based in Co Armagh announced today it had added UK-based Red Mill Snack Foods to its growing portfolio.

Tayto is now the third biggest crisps and snacks business in the UK, employing more than 1,400 people across five main sites.

The latest purchase takes the family-owned group from an annual turnover of £15m (€19.5m) to over £150m (€195m) in what it described as six years of managed growth.

Tayto saved the Golden Wonder crisps brand and more than 500 jobs in the UK when it acquired the company in February 2006.

Last November Tayto bought the successful Welsh-based Real Crisp company.

Latest buy, Red Mill, is one of the leading suppliers of retail branded snacks - best know for its 'Mr Porky pork scratchings' and 'Transform-A-Snack' range.

Tayto managing director Stephen Hutchinson said: “We have a very clear vision for the development of our business and this move is part of our continuing expansion in the United Kingdom and abroad, further reinforcing our reputation as a brand builder and quality manufacturer.”

Commenting on the new acquisition he added: “We have been interested in this very successful business for a number of years and I am particularly pleased now to have it within the group.

“Not only have we acquired an extensive and brand leading product range, we have now significantly consolidated our position in the industry.”

Just how much was paid to make the purchase was being kept secret, but the deal was funded by the Ulster Bank.