KP Snacks has bought Butterkist Limited, the popcorn business, from Tangerine Confectionery.

Butterkist’s manufacturing site in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, and its 140 employees will become part of the KP Snacks’ business.

Mark Thorpe, CEO of KP Snacks, said: “Butterkist is an iconic brand with a 100 year heritage and the number one branded popcorn in the UK.

”I am delighted that we have this opportunity to add Butterkist to our existing portfolio, which includes McCoy’s, Hula Hoops, Pom-Bear and KP Nuts, as we seek to offer consumers and customers a comprehensive UK snacking category proposition. We look forward to welcoming our new Pontefract colleagues and the Butterkist brand to KP.”

Anthony Francheterre, CEO of Tangerine Confectionery, said: “We are proud to have been instrumental in Butterkist’s development and pleased to pass the baton to KP Snacks to continue its success story.

”We believe this announcement is good news for both parties and confirms Tangerine’s focus on sugar confectionery, accelerating the development of our iconic brands Barratt, Dip Dab, Fruit Salad and building a stronger category with our customers.“