Food processor Kepak has acquired chilled and frozen food manufacturer Summit Foods as part of its plan to “grow its food business”.

Summit Foods currently achieves annual revenues of £24 million with a team of 200 employees, with Kepak describing the company as an “established player in the UK’s convenience food sector”.

The chilled foods company will continue to operate from its current base in Preston, with no immediate changes to its operations, branding, or customer offerings. The leadership team from Summit will remain in place for a six-month transition period to facilitate a smooth transition.

Kepak said it planned to “leverage its existing distribution network and market expertise” to support future growth for Summit Foods”. It said that the acquisition would strengthen Kepak’s position in the UK’s growing Food To Go and micro-snacking market, valued at £6.8 billion.

The two companies said they would work closely to “align operations and explore potential synergies”, particularly in the areas of product development and distribution.

Brian Farrell, CEO of Kepak Foods, said: “We are pleased to welcome Summit Foods to the Kepak Group. This acquisition aligns with our growth strategy, developing our presence in the UK convenience and out-of-home food channels. Summit’s portfolio of fresher for longer sandwiches, chilled and frozen meals & snacks complements our existing micro snacking offerings and allows us to deepen our presence across these markets”.