Golden Wonder owner acquires Mr Porky

Snack supplier Tayto Golden Wonder has added to its exanding operation with the acquisition of Mr Porky owner Red Mill Snack Foods.

The latest deal follows Northern Ireland based Tayto Group's takeover of Golden Wonder in February 2006, followed by the Welsh-based Real Crisp business in November last year.

The move consolidates Tayto Gold Wonder's position as the third biggest crisp and snack manufacturer in the UK, behind the Pepsico -owned Walkers operation, and UB, which owns brands including McCoys and KP.

Mr Porky is far and away the market leading pork scratchings brand. Red Mill employs more than 300 people in two plants at Wednesbury in Birmingham and Westhoughton near Bolton, producing over half a billion bags of snacks a year.

Tayto Golden Wonder national sales director John McQuaid said: "We are very clear about how we want to develop our business and this move is part of a plan for expansion in the UK and further afield.

"We have been particularly interested in Red Mill for several years and we are delighted to have it within our Group. It extends our range with brand-leading products and has significantly strengthened our position in new snack sectors.

"This consolidation within our business will help us to build on existing retailer relationships and give the whole group a competitive economy of scale."