‘Fast’ foods fatten up sales

ALTHOUGH many people think of Greencore as the old Irish Sugar, sugar is now little more than a sweetener in Greencore’s business and accounts with just 11% of turnover.

The group has transformed itself into a convenience food giant, with snacks and ready-made meals making up almost two-thirds of sales, up from 30% just three years ago.

Greencore has been successful in exploiting consumer demand for food that fits in with more hurried lifestyles, as more people opt for sandwiches at lunchtime and evening meals that are ready within minutes.