Granarolo acquires Midland Food Group in UK

Italian food company Granarolo has acquired a 100% stake in the UK’s ambient and frozen foods distributor Midland Food Group (MFG) through its subsidiary, for an undisclosed price.

For more than four decades, MFG has been in the foodservice distribution business and expanded its presence in the UK market.

Under the deal, Granarolo will take over MFG’s two production sites located at Willenhall and Basingstoke, which produces and distributes hams, cooked meat products, and a wide range of European meats such as chorizos and salamis to the foodservice industry in the UK.

The acquisition of MFG will place Britain as the third largest producer behind Italy and France in terms of turnover.

Granarolo Group chairman Gianpiero Calzolari said: “With the acquisition of Midland Food Group we aim to make an even bigger splash in the British Chilled Food market, which, in 2016, recorded total sales of about €100bn and keeps growing.

“Granarolo UK, which has a current turnover of more than €22m with the Made in Italy selection of products (fresh and aged cheeses, pasta and bakery products, balsamic vinegar), will now be able to count on two logistics hubs with a structured, efficient distribution system.

“It will also have the opportunity to develop direct sales in the large and constantly expanding food services sector in the UK.”

The Italian firm has also set a target to increase the revenue of MFG by €100m and replicate the performance of Granarolo France.