ConAgra, one of the largest food companies in the US, has the UK in its sights as part of its international expansion.

Orville Redenbacher microwaveable popcorn has been launched into Morrisons and the Co-operative Group.

The company's 70-strong branded portfolio covers grocery, snacks, frozen, chilled and dairy products. Ian Troop, president and chief operating officer of its International Foods Group, said it was targeting opportunities with "tremendous" potential. Troop said there were strong similarities between the US and UK trade structures and consumer snacking habits boded well for its brands here.

The international arm is run from Toronto and $1bn of its $14.5bn annual sales comes from global business.