Merchant Gourmet to become part of the Premier Foods family
When Merchant Gourmet first launched our Puy lentils into UK kitchens in 1995, we knew that we were on to building something different.
We were inspired by the nation’s growing appetite for exciting, innovative cooking ingredients. And for the past 30 years, we’ve built a brand that leads the way in delivering bold, great-tasting products. We’ve made it easy to put something delicious on the table.
What started with a single patterned pouch is now a nationwide favourite. From trusted cooking ingredients to chef-approved meals, we’ve seen our products become a staple for anyone who loves good food. Our healthy and convenient Meals in Minutes. Delicious rice pouches. Tried and trusted ready-to-eat grains and lentils. With each of these products, Merchant Gourmet has found a home with foodies, families and anyone looking to make a healthy meal, without sacrificing flavour or convenience.
Today, people are more curious than ever; more conscious, and more committed to eating in a way that’s better for themselves and the planet. And we’re right there with them.
That’s why we’re excited to share an update on the next stage of our journey: Merchant Gourmet is to become part of the Premier Foods family.
This is a decision we’ve made carefully and proudly. This partnership will give us the firepower to do what we do best, to innovate boldly, cook deliciously, and lead from the front as we continue to inspire the UK - and beyond - to fall in love with simple, good food.
Why this is the perfect partnership
From the very first conversation with Premier Foods, it was clear they understood who we are and what we care about. They share our belief that eating well shouldn’t be complicated. It should be joyful and full of flavour.
What excites me most is Premier Food’s strong track record in taking brands they have acquired to their next stage of growth, all while keeping their unique character.
Take The Spice Tailor as an example: initially focused on premium Indian sauces, Premier Foods has expanded the brand into Mexican and other international cuisines, increased marketing support and significantly broadened its presence in supermarkets.
We were also attracted to the way the business has embraced and led the way on providing consumers with healthier choices across their product portfolio.
They have had a target to increase the proportion of sales that meet higher nutritional standards and those that provide additional health and nutrition benefits for several years now. They've made huge strides against these and grown the value of sales from healthier products by 36% over the last five years, launching and updating the recipe of hundreds of products to deliver this. They were also one of the first big food businesses to publish a breakdown of their sales of healthy products over three years ago.
Health remains a key strategic priority for the business, and we are excited to work with them on their journey to expand this even further.
What this all means for Merchant Gourmet
In recent years, we’ve taken huge strides forward. And our growth stats tell that story.
In the last two years, we’ve delivered strong double-digit growth, launched 15 new products, refreshed our brand, and have taken our first steps into several new European countries.
We expect the acquisition to complete on 1 September 2025 and with Premier Foods’ backing, we will be able to do more of what we love, on a bigger scale.
We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but even more excited about where we’re headed. Growth isn’t only commercial. This investment means we reach more people and have a greater influence on how people enjoy food.
Importantly, you’ll still find the same brilliant Merchant Gourmet team behind your favourite pouches of lentils, grains, and veg-packed dishes. What’s changing is our ability to do more of what we believe in, and to do it even better.
A message to our partners, customers and team
We know getting this far required deep and genuine partnership from our suppliers and a fierce determination from our wonderful team. From our first listing in 1995, to the farmers, factory workers, packers, and printers across our supply chain, and the suppliers, distributors, buyers and supermarkets that backed us. There’s not a day that passes that we don’t appreciate what it takes to make a food business like ours work.
We don’t take that for granted. We are forever grateful.
To the reason we exist, our wonderful consumers: thank you. Health, taste, the climate - perhaps all 3 - whatever drives you, thank you for your loyalty, trust, and support. We hope to keep being part of your food journey for many more years.
To our fantastic shareholders: you are our founding story in every sense of the word. Merchant Gourmet wouldn’t exist without your ideas, belief, and the decades of unwavering support under your ownership. I hope that the Merchant Gourmet story will forever be a badge of pride.
And finally, I want to acknowledge the incredible team of dedicated and talented Merchants, who I am incredibly proud of. You’ve built, strived, struggled, laughed, and created a brand we can all be so proud of. This success belongs to each and every one of you – you make working for this business a labour of love!
I am so excited about what we can achieve together.
Richard Peake, Managing Director
