Tangerine Confectionery, the UK firm behind brands including Butterkist popcorn and Wham bars, has acquired local rival Smith Kendon.

The deal, struck for an undisclosed sum, sees Tangerine acquire the Smith Kendon tinned sweets brand, which was established in 1780, and soft candy brand York Fruits.

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The acquisition is the latest in Tangerine’s growth strategy, which the company says has seen turnover treble to around GBP160m (US$246.8m) in the last five years.

Tangerine said the brands would complement its existing Taveners Travel Tin and Taveners Fruit Jellies ranges.

Alison Brand, marketing director for Tangerine, said: “To be starting the new year bringing these two great brands in to our portfolio is a real coup for the business, particularly in such quick succession of Wham and Highland Toffee.”

In October, Tangerine announced it had acquired Wham and Highland Toffee after Scottish confectioner New McCowand fell into administration.

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