Brand-building distributor GM Marketing has announced the acquisition of Favourit Foods, a Belfast-based herbs & spice producer.

Set up in 1914, Favourit is claimed to be the oldest manufacturer of herbs and spices in Northern Ireland.

It has been supplying herbs and spices to Irish retail and foodservice sectors for more than 100 years.

Favourit Foods incumbent owner Sean McCrory said: “The Brand has been a much-loved part of our family now for over ten years, but the time was right to pass it onto a partner who will accelerate its growth and drive it into the next phase.  We’re delighted GM Marketing has adopted the brand and I have no doubt, they’ll achieve great success across many markets.”

GM Marketing is a brand-building distributor, with a focus on core grocery segments.

It operates across the UK and Ireland and is claimed to be ‘home to household names’ such as Tilda Rice, Fox’s Biscuits and Nando’s sauces, as well as a growing owned brand portfolio

This deal makes the distributor’s first move into food manufacturing.

GM Marketing managing director Gerard McAdorey said: “We’re absolutely delighted to complete the acquisition of Favourit and welcome the team on-board. The brand has so much heritage and history steeped in Belfast; it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass by. As a business, we are already supplying herbs & spices to market-leading retailers in Ireland, so this is a natural next step in the development of our business strategy and future growth plans.”

GM Marketing expects the transaction to create 12 new jobs, with a new production facility planned in north Belfast.

McAdorey added: “At a time of economic uncertainty, we’re delighted this venture allows us to invest in creating new job opportunities within the local area.

“With the complexities surrounding Country of Origin because of Brexit – being a manufacturer and providing Irish produce within Ireland is now key. While this may be our first move into manufacturing, it certainly forms part of a long-term strategy for our future growth plans.”

With distribution hubs in Belfast and Leeds, Favourit is expected to benefit from the commercial team within GM to boost the brand into new territories during the months to come. Marketing plans are also on to relaunch the brand later this year.