Jobs saved in Trigon Snacks sale

TRIGON Snacks, the Liverpool company behind the well-known Planters and Big D peanut brands, has been sold out of administration saving 110 jobs.

David Whitehouse and Steve Muncaster, partners at business advisory firm Duff & Phelps in Manchester were appointed to the Aintree-based firm earlier this month.

In the first week they made 64 of the 174-strong workforce redundant.

It has been sold to T Choitram & Sons (London), part of the Natco Food ingredients group for an undisclosed sum.

Trigon, which was owned by a Dutch venture capital firm, is the UK’s third-largest nut supplier and Planters – which it makes in the UK – was the pioneer of the dry roasting process.

The majority of sales come not through its own brands, but by supplying of own-brand nuts to major supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Morrisons.

It was formed in 1996 following the acquisition of the Walkers (PepsiCo) UK nut business. The Aintree factory dates back to the 1970s when the business was known as Smiths Nuts.

Mr Whitehouse said: “This sale sees the continuation of a well-established and recognised brand and business. It is a great result for the business’ 110 strong workforce who I would like to thank for their support over the last few difficult weeks.”

Andy Bates and Tim Taylor at the law firm Addleshaw Goddard acted for Duff & Phelps.

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