Premier Foods, the company behind many of the UK’s most-loved food brands, has announced that it is acquiring Merchant Gourmet, the premium brand known for healthy, ready-to-eat meals. The move is part of Premier Foods’ ongoing strategy to grow brands where it can add value and bring them to more consumers.

Merchant Gourmet is recognised for its pulses and grains, microwaveable rice, and quick meals that combine convenience with nutrition. The brand has established a strong following, with a broad base of loyal shoppers and a track record of successful expansion into new categories.

For Premier Foods, Merchant Gourmet is highly complementary to its existing portfolio. The company says it will use its proven growth model to increase retailer distribution, develop new products, and boost marketing support, helping the brand reach more people and deliver further growth.

Alex Whitehouse, Premier Foods’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’re very pleased to have agreed the acquisition of Merchant Gourmet, which meets the growing demand for premium, healthy and convenient meal options. Replicating the success of our previous two acquisitions, The Spice Tailor and FUEL10K, we will be deploying our proven branded growth model; expanding retailer distribution, accelerating new product development, and increasing marketing investment to unlock further profitable growth for the brand. Merchant Gourmet expands our category presence, complementing our already strong brand portfolio, and we look forward to welcoming the team to Premier Foods.”

Merchant Gourmet’s Managing Director, Richard Peake, said the decision reflects the team’s desire to find a partner that understands the brand’s values: “Merchant Gourmet has always been about creating great-tasting, premium, healthy food that anyone can enjoy. Over the last few years, our team have worked incredibly hard, delivering double digit revenue growth and demonstrating huge success in entering new categories and new markets. Finding the best home for both Merchant Gourmet and our valued team is something we have thought carefully about, and we believe Premier Foods is the right partner to match our ambition. They understand where we’ve come from, they respect what makes our brand special, and we’re excited to continue innovating boldly and inspiring people to fall in love with simple, good food.”

The acquisition signals Premier Foods’ commitment to meeting growing consumer demand for healthy, convenient meal options while supporting brands with strong growth potential.

Stay up to date with all the latest food industry news by subscribing to the IFE newsletter.