Premier Foods, a UK manufacturer, has decided to discontinue the production of private-label frozen pizza as part of its strategy to focus on enhancing its portfolio of well-known brands. This move will result in the closure of the Charnwood Foods factory in Leicester by the end of July, impacting fifty-seven jobs. Yilmaz Erceyes, the chief marketing officer, stated, “Our brands are the cornerstone of our business and have been instrumental in our strong performance over the past six years. We have chosen to exit the market for frozen pizza bases as they do not align with our growth strategy and contribute minimally to our overall sales.”
The company plans to invest £35m into its remaining 13 manufacturing sites in the UK in 2024, emphasizing its commitment to supporting its core brands. This decision follows Premier’s closure of the Knighton Foods plant in Staffordshire last year, affecting 300 employees. The rationale behind the Knighton Foods closure was that the factory did not align with the company’s branded growth model strategy and was marginally unprofitable.
Premier Foods’ branded portfolio includes popular products such as Angel Delight desserts, Atora suet, Mr Kipling cakes, and Fuel10K granola and beverages. Additionally, the company manufactures licensed brands like Cadbury’s mini rolls and Loyd Grossman pasta sauces. In the previous financial year, Premier Foods reported a 17.7% increase in group statutory revenue, reaching £494.1m, with significant growth in branded revenue.
The company’s full financial results are expected to be released later this month. By focusing on its core brands and strategic investments, Premier Foods aims to strengthen its position in the competitive food and beverage industry.
