TWO of Kent's leading food companies, Charing-based Ardo Shearway and Ryan Foods, from Sevenoaks, have merged.

Ardo produces frozen fruit and vegetables for the retail and catering trade, and Ryan for the food manufacturing industry.

Together they have an annual turnover in excess of £40 million and are part of the Ardo Group.

Now they form Europe's largest supplier of frozen produce, which has a dozen factories across eight countries, processing and packing nearly 400,000 tonnes a year.

Stephen Waugh, managing director of Ardo Shearway, will head the merged company.

The new company will have a staff of over 200. Ryan will relocate from Sevenoaks to Ashford in a move that will be completed in October.

Ryan staff have been offered jobs in the new business and those who opt not to travel to Ashford will be helped in finding alternative employment.

Mr Waugh said: "This moves unites two companies whose skills and customer base perfectly complement each other.

"Together we will be even stronger and we hope that the staff from Sevenoaks will be able to join us here in Charing."