Chilled food manufacturer The Compleat Food Group has completed the acquisition of convenience food manufacturer Greencore’s sauces and soups business in Bristol, following approval from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

Compleat said this acquisition would strengthen its ambition to become the UK’s number one chilled prepared food company, and would support its mission to create Food to Feel Good.

Greencore’s sauces and soups operation currently employs approximately 300 workers at its 50,438 sq ft production facility in Bristol, and produces a range of own-label chilled sauces and soups for retailers across the UK.

All staff will transfer to The Compleat Food Group and be retained, and operations at the site will continue as normal.

The acquisition aims to further extend The Compleat Food Group’s capabilities in chilled sauces and soups, building on the acquisition of Zorba Foods, manufacturer of dips, sauces, deli-fillers and branded soups, in 2024. It also follows several other acquisitions this year, including egg processor Freshpak and The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co.

The company stated that with this addition, its total turnover will reach £1.4 billion, and it will employ more than 6,300 people across 18 sites. The Group works with UK retailers and foodservice providers where it is a major supplier of own-label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added-value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces, and plant-based food.

It is also home to brands including Wall’s Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, Julienne Bruno and Harvey & Brockless.

Nick Field, CEO at The Compleat Food Group, commented: “We’re excited to welcome the Bristol team to The Compleat Food Group. This acquisition marks an important step in expanding our expertise in chilled sauces and soups, two categories with strong growth potential.

“By combining this capability with our existing portfolio, we can deliver even greater value for our retail partners and continue to innovate in creating Food to Feel Good.”