Batchelors and Origin Foods are to merge to form Valeo Foods, it was announced today.

BATCHELORS have agreed a deal with Tesco UK to provide two new smoothies under the Sqeez brand to more than 200 shops.

BARRY’S TEA has entered a joint venture arrangement with Bank of Scotland’s ICC Venture Capital arm to spend €62.25m to buy Batchelor’s and Beck Smith, the Irish operations of British giant Northern Foods.

Northern Foods has agreed to sell its Irish operation, Northern Foods (Ireland) Limited (NFIL) which incorporates the Batchelors baked beans brand, to Barry's Tea for around £66.8m (€94.94m).