Around Noon – the award-winning food-to-go manufacturer – has announced a significant acquisition to diversify its product offering and grow sales in the UK and Ireland market.

The Newry-based business has acquired Simply Fit Food, which supplies a range of convenience meals made from wholesome, natural ingredients online as well as through multiple and convenience retailers.

The deal will see Simply Fit Food continue to trade under its existing brand within the Around Noon group. Evelyn Garland and Luke Judge, the founders of Simply Fit Food, will remain shareholders and continue to operate and manage the business as a unit within Around Noon.

Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon, with Evelyn Garland and Luke Judge, co-founders of Simply Fit Food announce the deal which will accelerate Simply Fit Food’s growth, with a doubling of sales within 12-months.

The Newry-based business employs over 300 people.

Around Noon has been in business for 30 years and employs over 300 people.

It supplies a broad range of high-quality sandwiches, wraps, salads, fruit pots and cold-pressed juices to customers including forecourt and convenience retailers and cafes.

The deal is the latest in a series of acquisitions made by Around Noon, including the purchase of London-based Chef-in-a-Box from Donegal Investment Group Plc in 2017.

Around Noon also markets bakery items from its in-house operation, Sweet Things, which it acquired from Dublin-based owners in 2016.

Newry-based business “plans to invest substantially in a refresh of its brand and product range.”

As part of the purchase of Simply Fit Food, Around Noon plans to invest substantially in a refresh of its brand and product range, including an investment in new, environmentally friendly packaging.

Its ambitious plans include doubling Simply Fit Food’s annual sales in just 12 months and creating a more substantial presence for the brand in multiple and convenience retail.

Investment is “strategically very significant” for Newry-based business.

Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon, says that the purchase is strategically very significant for the company.

“This acquisition will provide us with a foothold in a new and fast-growing segment of the market,” he explains.

“Sales of health-related foods grew to over £773million in the UK last year, and 64 per cent of UK consumers say they have purchased health foods. This is only likely to grow further,” Gareth insists.

“There is a fantastic synergy between the two companies and the opportunity to cross-sell between our respective client-bases.

2 August 18, ©Press Eye/Darren Kidd
Gareth Chambers – Around Noon

“Luke and Evelyn have created a strong brand, and their business shares a very similar ethos to Around Noon, as a company that is passionate about healthy food and about serving its customers.

“We very much look forward to working with Luke and Evelyn and to growing the business strongly together,” he adds.

Simply Fit Food “excited about the opportunity”

Evelyn Garland and Luke Judge, founders of Simply Fit Food, said, “We have watched Around Noon make a real impact in the food-to-go-space across the UK and Ireland.

“We have been so impressed by the team’s energy, drive, and ability to continuously spot trends in the market early and capitalise on them.

They added, “It’s a great coming together of two very complementary businesses, and we are incredibly excited about the opportunity.”

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