Princes Group is an international food and drink group involved in the manufacture, import and distribution of branded and customer own-brand products. Customers include major supermarkets, convenience stores, foodservice operators, wholesale suppliers and other food manufacturers. Princes’ brands and products span over 20 different categories including fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, soups, pastes, pasta, cooking sauces, edible oils and a broad range of soft drinks sectors. History Princes’ heritage dates back to 1880, when it was established as a fish importing business in Liverpool, the city where its international headquarters are still located today. Initially, the company expanded into new markets including the import of canned and ambient foods from around the world. Princes’ first venture into food manufacturing happened in 1946, starting a period of diversification and growth which continues today. Princes first entered continental Europe in 1960 and today its European operations are managed from its offices in Rotterdam in the Netherlands. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation since 1989, Princes has completed a number of high-profile mergers and acquisitions in the last two decades that have added significant scale to the business. In February 2018, Princes announced it was conducting a business review after net profits fell from £43.5m to £0.5m in the space of one year. In October 2018, it was announced factories in Manchester and Chichester were closing. Timeline 1880 Founded in Liverpool by Simpson & Roberts 1900 Princes Pure Foods formed, Princes brand established 1946 Princes starts first manufacturing venture 1960 Princes enters continental Europe 1968 Purchased by J. Bibby and Sons 1989 Mitsubishi Corporation buys Princes 1991 Princes enters the soft drinks category through the acquisition of Barraclough 1999 Princes acquires Tuna Mauritius 2001 Princes acquires both the Shippam’s and Napolina brands/businesses 2004 Princes acquires water business and the Aqua Pura brand 2005 Princes acquires cooking oils brands and forms Edible Oils Limited (EOL) joint venture business. Princes establishes MC Foods Europe 2010 Princes opens Princes Polska office and forms joint venture business to expand distribution of oils in eastern and central Europe 2011 Princes acquires two East Anglian canning operations and the Crosse & Blackwell and Farrow’s brands 2012 Princes Industrie Alimentari S.r.L. (PIA) created and processing factory in Foggia Italy acquired 2015 Princes Tuna (Mauritius) completes agreement to create enlarged tuna processing operation 2018 Princes announce business review after net profits fall to £0.5m In October 2018 they announced factories