Princes reports record sales thanks to UK demand for canned food The UK's biggest maker of canned foods has reported a record year of sales as cash-conscious shoppers stocked up on its soup, tuna, and beans. Liverpool-based Princes said that sales rose 15pc to £1.74bn in the year to March 31 with its post-tax profits growing from £31.1m to £40.4m. Princes produces its own-brand range of canned fish, meat and sauces. However, it also owns a collection of brands such as Crosse & Blackwell and Napolina, as well as producing canned food for Batchelors and Branston products. The company was founded in Liverpool in 1880 before being bought by the Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi Corporation in 1989. It now employs 6,000 people and operates 14 production sites, including a new factory in Italy that processes tomatoes. Ken Critchley, the managing director, said: "We have responded to changing consumer needs with innovative new products for every meal occasion and, by expanding our distribution into more countries, we are reaching more shoppers, more often, with our growing product portfolio." Sales outside the UK grew by 25pc to £350m during the year, meaning that a fifth of the company's sales are now overseas. Mr Critchley added: "Princes made excellent progress during the last financial year, driven by a commitment to becoming a first choice food and drink group. Growth has been achieved through a distinct strategic focus on the strength of customer and supplier partnerships across the group. This, coupled with substantial investment into our brands, sites and people, has resulted in UK and international growth, which is a core part of our strategy.