Three meat processing companies have been bought by 2 Sisters Food Group in a bid to raise its profile in niche markets such as halal and 'local' meat.

It has acquired Joseph Mitchell, near Fife, and two poultry processors in the north of England - Challenger Foods in Sunderland and Tulip's Morecambe factory.

The Morecambe and Sunderland businesses cook poultry for retailers and the foodservice market. They will complement 2 Sisters' Haughley Park site to form a new division with sales of £100m.

"These acquisitions fit with our strategy to broaden the geographic reach of our group," said chief executive Ranjit Singh. "They will give us an entry into niche markets such as halal, wholesale, catering and independent butchers."

The move also paves the way for 2 Sisters to supply more locally sourced product for its retail and foodservice customers.