Private equity companies will focus on the food industry this year after having their fingers burnt on technology, according to a food market review by finance house Tenon Livingstone Guarantee. Principal Patrick Groarke said: "There is now a real appetite for food companies. It's a trend that has been growing over the last two years." Private equity companies are particularly keen to put money into functional food and added value ethnic, organics or vegetarian foods. TLG also reports strong interest from overseas buyers. Groarke added: "Private financiers are not interested unless there is an opportunity to double profits by shaking up the business." {{NEWS }}