-KH News Desk (cbedit@imaws.org)
Through a collaboration with Singapore-based Country Foods, the UK-based Hilton Food Group, a provider of meat, seafood, and plant-based proteins, has expanded into south-east Asia. London-listed According to Hilton, the affiliation will give it access to the regions and channels now served by Country Foods.
“The strategic collaboration between the two businesses will deliver new levels of manufacturing and product excellence in Country Foods’ existing sites coupled with ongoing joint exploration for future new manufacturing opportunities,” it said.
Singaporeans will be able to purchase Hilton products, including seafood, slow-cooked meats, and Australian cattle, lamb, and pigs, which is the project’s more immediate impact. Australia is home to Hilton’s manufacturing operations.
One of Singapore’s leading food importers, distributors, and manufacturers, Country Foods is a fully owned subsidiary of regional distribution, logistics, and foodservice solutions provider SATS.
Hilton, a private-label provider who also owns the Seachill frozen seafood brand, has operations in a number of international markets, including Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Phillip Heffer, Hilton Food Group’s CEO, said: “This long-term, strategic collaboration with Country Foods is another step forward in our plan to grow our global footprint and diversify our business across Asia and internationally.
“With our extensive range of red meat, seafood, sous vide, vegan and vegetarian products, we are well placed to cater for the growing demand for high quality, affordable protein products in Singapore and beyond.”
In recent years, it has expanded through acquisitions. It started using the direct-to-consumer channel earlier this year when it acquired a 25% stake in the UK-based Alf Turner Sausage Company.
The 28 weeks leading up to 17 July were covered by Hilton’s most recent set of reported financial results, which were released in September. Sales increased 20.4% to GBP2 billion ($2.43 billion). Volumes increased 3.6% from one year ago.
Operating profit reached 30.8 million GBP, up 5.6%. Profit attributable to the parent’s owners was GBP13.5m, down from GBP16m the year prior.
