UK canned food giant purchases iconic landmark
The Royal Liver Building in Liverpool. Image: Princes
Princes, one of the UK’s leading food and drink groups and, since 2024, part of NewPrinces Group, formerly Newlat Food – the Italian company listed in Milan and majority owned by its founder Angelo Mastrolia – has announced the purchase of the historic Royal Liver Building in Liverpool as part of a £60 million investment. This forms a key part of a broader £83 million real estate plan that also includes the Cross Green facility in Leeds (£23m), underlining the group’s long-term commitment to the UK.
Princes traces its roots back to 1880 in Liverpool when Simpson & Roberts & Co was established as an importer of canned food into the then thriving docks. In 1900, the business adopted the name Princes and the brand has been a mainstay of British kitchens ever since.
The group plans to expand its presence within the Royal Liver Building using it not only as a corporate headquarters but also as a multi-purpose venue for events, collaboration and public engagement. Princes has confirmed that all operations and tenant arrangements at the Royal Liver Building will remain unchanged with colleagues and partners assured of no immediate modifications to the site.
By securing ownership of this iconic building – where Princes has been a tenant since 1982 and over 400 colleagues are based – Princes reinforces its connection to the city and its dedication to creating a stable and sustainable operating base for the future. Princes has also completed the £23 million acquisition of the Symington’s Cross Green site in Leeds, further embedding the Symington’s business, which Princes manages and operates, into its UK operations.
Princes operates ten sites across the UK employing almost 3,000 people. The business recently announced a campaign to champion UK food manufacturing. Many of its products will soon receive a UKM stamp of approval, signifying products made in UK factories and the contribution made to local manufacturing and the UK economy. The company said these purchases of both sites is a further commitment to the UK and its unwavering ambition for a more prosperous future for the nation and the communities the business serves.
