Boparan Holdings becomes UK's largest food and drinks company

The parent company of two food firms in Cumbria and Lancashire has been named the UK’s biggest producer of food and drink.

Boparan Holdings, the parent company of Carlisle-based manufacturer Cavaghan and Gray and Accrington firm Holland’s Pies, seized the top spot in the latest Food & Drink 150 ranking from global consultancy OC&C after making a string of acquisitions since 2010 to quadruple its revenue.

The grocery division of Associated British Foods, which has held the top spot for the last five years, slid into second place despite implementing a cost-cutting strategy that increased its operating profit by 30%.

Between 2010 and 2014, Boparan Holdings’ revenue increased from £838m to £3.36bn.

The firm acquired Cavaghan and Gray and Holland’s Pies as part of a £342m buy-out of Leeds-based Northern Foods in 2011.