UK: Premier Foods to acquire Merchant Gourmet for £48 million

UK food manufacturer Premier Foods has announced the acquisition of Merchant Gourmet, a UK convenience foods brand, for £48 million ($64.6 million).

Founded in 1995, Merchant Gourmet is described as having market leading positions in pulses and grains, in addition to offering microwaveable rice and ready meals, with most of its products sold in pouches.

Commenting on the move, Premier Foods CEO Alex Whitehouse said: “We’re very pleased to have agreed the acquisition of Merchant Gourmet, which meets the growing demand for premium, healthy and convenient meal options. Replicating the success of our previous two acquisitions, The Spice Tailor and FUEL10K, we will be deploying our proven branded growth model; expanding retailer distribution, accelerating new product development, and increasing marketing investment to unlock further profitable growth for the brand.”

“Merchant Gourmet has always been about creating great-tasting, premium, healthy food that anyone can enjoy”, added Richard Peake, managing director of Merchant Gourmet. “Over the last few years, our team have worked incredibly hard, delivering double digit revenue growth and demonstrating huge success in entering new categories and new markets. Finding the best home for both Merchant Gourmet and our valued team is something we have thought carefully about, and we believe Premier Foods is the right partner to match our ambition”.

The transaction is expected to complete on 1st September 2025.

Source: Premier Foods