UK-based The Compleat Food Group has recently expanded its portfolio by acquiring local sandwich-filling manufacturer Freshpak for an undisclosed sum.
Since 2016, Freshpak, owned by Sun European Partners, has been supplying private-label food-to-go products, deli fillers, and poached eggs. Additionally, the company provides comprehensive egg processing services.
Located in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Freshpak operates out of a substantial 40,000m² production facility and employs approximately 500 individuals. In the year 2024, the company reported revenues of £93m ($125m).
Freshpak’s diverse range of products is available in major UK supermarket chains, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, and The Co-op. The company also caters to the foodservice sector.
In a strategic statement, The Compleat Food Group characterized this acquisition as a crucial step towards achieving its goal of becoming the UK’s “number one” producer of chilled prepared foods.
By acquiring Freshpak, The Compleat Food Group expects to enhance its capabilities in egg processing. This move aligns perfectly with the growing consumer demand for protein-rich, health-focused food options.
CEO Nick Field remarked: “Its [Freshpak] market-leading position in added-value egg products, deli fillers, and chilled food-to-go is a perfect complement to our existing portfolio, allowing us to extend our capability and category leadership role to deliver further value and category growth with our existing partners, whilst also opening up new opportunities in both retail and foodservice.”
This acquisition is anticipated to boost The Compleat Food Group’s annual turnover to over £1.3bn and expand its workforce to more than 6,000 employees.
Earlier this year, the company made a notable purchase of The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co., a producer of both own-label and branded chilled Yorkshire puddings.
Last year also saw major expansions, including the acquisitions of SK Foods and Zorba Foods, which specialize in private-label chilled party foods, dips, and deli fillings, as well as Harvey & Brockless, a notable producer and distributor of food products.
Founded in 2021, The Compleat Food Group resulted from a merger orchestrated by private-equity owner PAI Partners, combining its UK portfolio companies Winterbotham Darby and Addo Food Group, acquired the previous year.
The group operates across multiple categories, including baked goods like pies and quiches, sausages, and various deli items, including olives, antipasti, and pickles. Its extensive brand portfolio features notable names such as Pork Farms, Wall’s Pastry, Squeaky Bean, Unearthed, and Vadasz.
In January, The Compleat Food Group announced plans to reduce the number of jobs at a pie-making facility located in Nottingham in England’s East Midlands.
A company spokesperson indicated that this decision resulted from a “comprehensive review of cold pie volume” at the site.