Princes Ltd. is a UK-based food manufacturer originally specialising in canned foods and that produces a range of food and drink products. It is the third largest supplier of soft drinks in the UK[1], and the number one supplier of canned food in the UK. Princes also supply a large percentage of own label goods (discount brand) for UK supermarkets.
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Established in 1880 in Liverpool by Simpson & Roberts, the company began trading canned meats and vegetables.
In 1946, the company moved its operations to Southport and began food manufacturing.
In 1960, it established a European base in the Netherlands.
In 1976, Princes was acquired by Buitoni (becoming Princes Buitoni), which in turn, was acquired by Nestlé in 1988, and in 1989 by the Mitsubishi Corporation.
In 2011, Princes purchased two canning factories in Long Sutton and Wisbech for £182m[2].
The company has a factory in Tong in Bradford West Yorkshire which makes most of its drinks.
Princes Limited brands include Napolina (50%)[3], Shippam's, Crisp 'n Dry, Cookeen, and Mazola vegetable oils, Vier Diamanten, Aqua-Pura, Jucee, Princes Real, Flora, Olivio, Cape and Ocean Spray (cooperative).[4]
Princes is currently targeting Eastern European markets with a view to generate exponential profits within the canned food sector of the business