Proper Pies buys artisan supplier Barton & White

Proper Pies, the manufacturer of premium pies, bakes and desserts, has snapped up http://www.lifeforkspoon.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Barton & White](http://www.bartonandwhite.com/flash/), an artisan supplier of hand-made chilled and frozen desserts and savouries, for an undisclosed sum.

Established in Leicestershire in 2005, Barton & White is a Grade A BRC-accredited manufacturer serving the hospitality, travel and retail sectors.

Its acquisition expands the stable of Midlands-based companies owned by food entrepreneurs Martyn Thomas and Kevin Morel (pictured with chief development chef Mark Evans above), which also includes sous-vide ready-meal specialist [Oliver James Foods](http://www.oliverjamesfoods.com).

"This acquisition will allow us to extend our product portfolio with premium patisserie lines which add value whilst providing an opportunity for us to access and develop new markets," said Morel.

"It also provides us with the opportunity to bring new products to our existing customers."

Earlier this month, the group launched [Life, Fork Spoon, a partnership with TV chef James Martin to deliver frozen restaurant-quality meals directly to consumers' homes