SK Chilled Foods gearing up for expansion

Jul 2 2010 by Kelley Price, Evening Gazette

The food industry, he said, often weathered a recession better than other sectors.

“People move from eating in restaurants to takeaways, and the third element is buying food from the supermarket for entertaining.

“People are prepared to trade up to premium products, but at the same time they look for good value - the trick for us is to provide that, and not to get caught in the middle. We all look for the best deals on the supermarket shelves.

“Dealing with the major supermarkets is a good place for us to be in times of economic pressure. Our area of the market has seen growth in the recession and we’re confident that will continue.”

American and Mexican-style products such as wedges, burritos and enchiladas are the company’s fastest growing area, alongside snacks from bhajis and spring rolls to samosas.

The company, which is owned by American company the Entrepreneurial Food Group, is talking to Tees Valley Unlimited, Middlesbrough Council, Redcar and Cleveland Council, One North East and SJA Business Consultancy to look at ways of taking the expansion plans forward.

Matt Smith, strategic account manager at Tees Valley Unlimited, said: “With further investment and job creation predicted, we will be working closely with SK management to ensure their plans are supported and the company is able to continue to grow.”