Bramble Foods Group acquires Whitakers Chocolates to grow its portfolio

UK – Bramble Foods Group, a UK-based supplier of branded ambient foods, has acquired Yorkshire chocolatiers Whitakers Chocolates for an undisclosed sum.  

According to Mr. Whitaker, CEO Whittakers Chocolates, Bramble Food Group has acquired the share capital of Whitakers Chocolates with a view to invest and develop within the factory site at Skipton.

Mr. Whitaker, described the deal as a wonderful opportunity to share knowledge and invest into the future.

He stated: “Whilst I will always carry the immense pride and heritage we’ve built over 135 years, I recognize that now is the right time to pass on our cherished traditions to a company that can develop the business further.”

As reported by Just Food, a company spokesperson said it would business as usual with all Whitakers team members remaining.

Whitakers, founded in 1889, produces confectionery sold under its namesake brand and as private labels. It also supplies the foodservice market.

The company has been a major supplier to Bramble Foods Group for the last 17 years.

In 2013, the company grew its turnover by 8% to £10.8m (US$13.3m).

However, the rising cost of sales and an increase in admin expenses contributed to a fall in net profit from £443,965(US$467,061.17) in 2022 to £42,322 (US$44,523.70) in 2023.

Bramble Foods was established in 2008 by Nigel and Tony Foster. The company operates its own bakery and preserving facilities and produces food products, including confectionery, cakes, preserves, and chutneys.

Tony Foster said: “Whitakers is a well-run business with a long history of producing excellent products, this coupled with a broad customer base and dedicated team of employees attracted us to the business.  As a family, Whitakers is our longest standing supplier having worked together for over 40 years.”

Equally important, Bramble Food Group, has acquired The Bay Tree Food Co, an award-winning manufacturer of branded chutney, relish, sauce and jam.

Emma Macdonald, founder and CEO of The Bay Tree Food Co, will stay with the business to help deliver the next phase of its growth.

In a report by The Bay Tree Food Co, she concluded that they are very excited to work with the Bramble team and being part of a larger group they will accelerate the next phase of development.

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