The Compleat Food Group has bolstered its presence in the UK chilled food sector with the acquisition of Freshpak, a prominent private label manufacturer specialising in sandwich fillings, egg products, and chilled ready-to-eat snacks. While the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, Freshpak's robust 2024 revenues of around £93 million underscore the significance of this move. This acquisition is a key component of Compleat Food Group’s strategy to become the leading chilled prepared food company in the country.

Freshpak operates an extensive production facility in Barnsley, employing approximately 500 people and spanning 40,000 square metres. Its wide-ranging supply network includes major UK supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, and Co-op, alongside foodservice providers. The company's strength lies in its market-leading position in added-value egg products, deli fillers, and chilled food-to-go snacks, which perfectly complement Compleat Food Group’s existing portfolio.

Nick Field, CEO of The Compleat Food Group, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting how Freshpak’s capabilities will enhance the group’s role in category leadership, delivering greater value and growth opportunities within both retail and foodservice sectors. Freshpak’s CEO Toby Brinsmead echoed this optimism, viewing the acquisition as a positive new chapter that will sustain Freshpak's reputation for quality, innovation, and customer service under the new ownership.

This latest acquisition adds to a series of strategic moves by Compleat Food Group to expand its footprint in the chilled food market. Throughout 2024 and early 2025, the group has acquired several food businesses, including SK Foods, Zorba Foods, Harvey & Brockless, and The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co. These companies enhance Compleat’s portfolio across various chilled food categories, from party foods and dips to speciality cheeses, charcuterie, and Yorkshire puddings. Combined, these acquisitions have significantly increased Compleat Food Group’s overall turnover, which is now estimated to exceed £1.3 billion, with a workforce numbering over 6,000 employees across 17 production sites.

The ongoing consolidation in the UK food sector reflects broader industry trends, with other major players also making significant acquisitions; for instance, Ferrero recently acquired WK Kellogg, and New Prices purchased Kraft Heinz’s baby food business. The Compleat Food Group’s assertive expansion signals its commitment to competing strongly in the chilled food market by leveraging economies of scale, enhancing production capabilities, and broadening its product range.

Ultimately, Compleat Food Group’s acquisition of Freshpak is a calculated step toward cementing its leadership in the chilled prepared foods sector, capitalising on Freshpak’s established market presence and complementary product lines to open new growth pathways in both retail and foodservice channels.