Morrisons has today announced it has acquired Chippindale Foods, a leading supplier of free range eggs.
The retail giant hopes that the acquisition will become "more competitive" for customers on "important everyday products".
It will also bring forward the date at which all Morrisons eggs will come from non-caged hens from the current commitment of 2025.
Morrisons said the addition of the Chippindale Foods business will enable the retailer to "work closely" with egg farmers to support a sustainable supply chain, the welfare of hens and the quality of their eggs.
Nick Chippindale, Managing Director, will stay with the business and the 54 staff employed at the site at Flaxby, North Yorkshire, will become Morrisons colleagues.
Andrew Thornber, Morrisons Manufacturing Director, said: “The addition of Chippindale Foods to our fresh food manufacturing business will give us the opportunity to build on our deep relationships with British farmers and become even more competitive for our supermarket and wholesale customers.”
