Mackie's crisp producer buys top UK popcorn firm South Yorkshire Foods in latest expansion

The maker of a renowned crisp range has taken over one of the UK’s largest producers of popcorn.

Taylors Snacks Ltd, previously known as Mackie’s at Taypack, has bought the business and assets of South Yorkshire Foods (SYF).

The purchase will secure 60 jobs and forms part of its UK-wide “acquisitive and organic growth strategy”, the snack firm said.

Based in Perthshire, the company announced the decision to change its brand name in July, after the Taylor family bought out the shares of its joint venture partner Mackie’s of Scotland.

Its popcorn will be produced at SYF’s existing factory in Sheffield, which uses traditional means of cooking the snack in large kettles.

“It made sense right away,” said James Taylor, managing director of the family-owned business.

“The addition of the popcorn manufacturing business makes for a really exciting time to be at Taylors. South Yorkshire Foods produces a high-quality product packed with flavour, something we pride ourselves on at Taylors Snacks.”

The firm sees the location of its Sheffield factory as the “ideal location” for bulk and light deliveries across the UK.

He added: “It’s another milestone of growth for us at Taylors Snacks, expanding the business in multiple ways is top of our agenda and we’re glad to be making positive steps towards that.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the new staff into what is an incredible team here at Taylors Snacks.”