Pilgrim's Europe and a unit of Associated British Foods (ABF) are teaming up to launch a range of Asian-inspired branded ready meals in the UK.
The ten-strong Patak's and Blue Dragon line-up features frozen Indian curries, including a meat-free option, which are rolling out in Tesco this month. Thai, Chinese and Korean dishes also form part of the new range.
AB World Foods is the owner of the Patak's and Blue Dragon brands under the auspices of London-listed ABF.
Pilgrim's Europe, the UK-headquartered meat company that is part of US-based Pilgrim's Pride, will manufacture the ready meals from its facility in Carrickmacross, located in County Monaghan, Ireland.
With room to produce 2.5 million meals a week, Pilgrim's Europe claims the Carrickmacross site is the "largest frozen meals facility in Europe", supplying retailers and "brand partners".
The licensing agreement will see Pilgrim's Europe bring its "expertise in consumer-led product development and frozen ready meals" to the partnership, according to a statement.
Conor Lowry, the commercial controller at Pilgrim's Europe, said: "The interesting challenge with branded innovation isn't simply putting a well-known name into ...