Pilgrim’s Food Masters has started trading following the closure of Pilgrim’s Pride acquisition of Kerry Group plc’s Consumer Foods’ Meats and Meals business, announced earlier this year. Pilgrim’s Food Masters is a manufacturer of chilled products providing convenience food solutions.

Its brands include household favorites such as Richmond, Fridge Raiders, Rollover and Taste & Glory. 

The business will continue to produce high-quality convenience food solutions from its manufacturing sites in the UK and Ireland.

In June, Kerry Group initially agreed to sell its Consumer Foods’ Meats and Meals business in the UK and Ireland to Pilgrim’s Pride for a cash consideration of €819 million (US$976 million). 

At the time, Kerry said that the deal was expected to further enhance Kerry’s focus as a crucial business-to-business ingredient solutions provider for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical markets.

According to Kerry, the proceeds from the sale will be used for general corporate purposes and the continued strategic development of the Taste & Nutrition business. 

Nick Robinson, CEO, Pilgrim’s Food Masters, will continue to lead the group’s 4,500 team members across the UK and Ireland.

New name
Under the Pilgrim’s Food Masters banner, the group will continue to innovate and help retailers unlock new opportunities to drive sales through trusted brands and products, notes the company. 

Nick Robinson, CEO, Pilgrim’s Food Masters, will continue to lead the group’s 4,500 team members across the UK and Ireland. 

Pilgrim’s Food Masters will remain headquartered in the UK with team members across 11 sites, including facilities in the UK and Ireland and an extensive distribution network in both countries.

“We have a strong track record in delivering growth, and as Pilgrim’s Food Masters, we have the foundations of an already highly successful business. As one of the UK and Ireland’s leading food businesses, we remain committed to the communities and customers that we serve,” says Robinson.“As Pilgrim’s Food Masters, we will uphold our unwavering commitment to quality, service and value, and make a positive impact on the environment.”

Pilgrim’s employs approximately 59,200 people and operates protein processing plants and prepared-foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the UK and continental Europe.