PRODUCTION of Fray Bentos canned steak and kidney pies and puddings is to switch from Fenland to Scotland.

PRODUCTION of Fray Bentos canned steak and kidney pies and puddings is to switch from Fenland to Scotland.

Baxters Food Group has acquired the Fray Bentos brand and company and will transfer production, which also includes tinned corned beef and meatballs, from Long Sutton in East Anglia to its headquarters at Fochabers in Moray.

Manufacturing of Fray Bentos products will transfer over the next 12 months .It is not known how many jobs will result from the switch.

Fray Bentos, which was launched in 1899, was bought by Princes from Premier Foods in February but they agreed to divest the brand after competition concerns were raised by the Office of Fair Trading.

Baxters chairman Audrey Baxter said: “Like Baxters, Fray Bentos is a heritage brand and is known the length and breadth of the country, holding a special place in the hearts of British consumers both young and old.

“We have many exciting ideas to revitalise the brand as we aim to secure a strong foothold in the canned meat market.”

Fray Bentos is thought to be a �30 million a year turnover business and is expected to account for a fifth of Baxters new and enlarged company.

Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “It’s great to see this iconic Scottish company going from strength to strength, growing and investing in Scotland. “The jobs and investment in Fochabers are further proof - if it was ever needed - that Scotland is at the heart of the global food business.”