Mizkan Euro-Americas Buys Premier Foods Vinegar, Pickle Unit

MT. PROSPECT, Ill.Mizkan Euro-Americas, a leading global condiment manufacturer, has signed an agreement to acquire the U.K.-based vinegar and sour pickle business from Premier Foods plc, which includes the Sarsons, Haywards and Dufrais lines of branded products. The transaction, expected to close by the end of July, will broadly expand Mizkan Euro-Americas portfolio into the broader branded and private label condiments category.

Sarsons Malt Vinegar and Haywards Pickled Vegetables are both No. 1 in their respective categories while the Dufrais brand is No. 2 in Specialty Vinegars. The brands are manufactured at a production facility in Middleton, near Manchester.

We are excited about acquiring three very strong, iconic brands that have a deep heritage and tradition in the United Kingdom," said Craig Smith, president and CEO of Mizkan Euro-Americas. Both Sarsons and Haywards have a loyal consumer following and we look forward to further investing in these brands and adding to that great legacy. All of the brands fit well with our product portfolio in Europe and North America and represent an excellent strategic fit as we expand our business base in the U.K. and across Europe."