Symington's ambient food products

Symington's is a prominent British food manufacturer with a history dating back to 1827, when it was founded by William Symington in Market Harborough. Originally established as a tea, coffee, and grocery business, the company gained fame for developing innovative products like pea flour for the military and dehydrated soups. Over nearly two centuries, it evolved into a leader in the UK ambient food market, specializing in convenient snack pots, home baking kits, and traditional cooking sauces.

In August 2021, the company was acquired by the Italian food giant Newlat Food S.p.A. for approximately £53 million. This acquisition was a strategic move by Newlat to establish a strong platform in the UK market. Furthermore, in 2024, Newlat expanded its footprint significantly by acquiring the Princes Group, leading to the formation of the 'New Princes Group.' Historically and through to 2026, Symington's remains headquartered in Leeds, and its manufacturing operations are concentrated in Northern England, with key production facilities in Leeds, Bradford, and Durham. These sites produce a wide range of iconic brands, including Mug Shot, Naked, Chicken Tonight, and Ragu, as well as significant volumes of private-label products for major UK supermarkets.