Around Noon, the Northern Ireland-based food-to-go manufacturer, has acquired Chef in a Box, a sandwich and snack manufacturer with customers in the corporate sector.
The purchase from Donegal Investment Group PLC will enable Around Noon to initially gain a strong foothold in Greater London and provide a platform for further UK expansion.
The food-to-go market in the UK is estimated to be worth over GBP16billion, driven in part by the rise of little-and-often shopping, and the popularity of coffee culture.
The deal will enable Around Noon, which has built a strong reputation for innovation, to access Chef in a Box’s manufacturing, sales and distribution infrastructure, as well as its high-end client-base, as it seeks to realise its growth ambitions.
Around Noon has been in business for more than 25 years and employs over 300 people. It supplies a broad range of high-quality sandwiches, wraps, salads and fruit pots under its Scribbles brand. It also markets bakery items from its in-house operation, Sweet Things, which it acquired last year, and cold pressed juices.
Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon, says: “Chef in a Box is an excellent business with an impressive client portfolio, and acquiring the company from Donegal Investment Group PLC gives us the presence and infrastructure required to have a significant impact in the UK market.”
Howard Farquhar, Chairman of Around Noon, says: “Food-to-go is a high-growth category and we see London as a very significant opportunity for us, as well as a platform for further UK expansion, including other potential acquisitions. We are delighted to be expanding our geographical reach, adding to our manufacturing capacity and welcoming new colleagues to our business.”
