UK: The Jerky Group and Cruga to merge

Snack manufacturer The Jerky Group has signed a merger deal with Cruga, a producer of meat snack, which is said will create the biggest manufacturer of beef snacks in Europe.

The two merged companies, which have already worked together for the past for 10 years, will now operate as the Meatsnacks Group with an 80% share of the European beef snack market  and supplying all the UK’s major grocery chains.

“The growth and demand for jerky and biltong in Europe has been significant in recent years, with the key driver that consumers are increasingly aware that both products are healthier, being high in protein and lower in fat alternatives to traditional carb-based snacks”, commented James Newit, Jerky Group managing director.

With  distribution in 27 countries, the combined entity is expected to have annual turnover on  £12 million ($19 million) this year.

Source: City A.M. / Global Meat News