UK – Dr. Schär UK, a subsidiary of Italy-based European market leader in gluten-free foods, has acquired Glasgow-based allergen-free, fresh bread manufacturer, GDR Food Technology.  

The deal will see Dr. Schär venture into the UK fresh bread market for the first time and “significantly” boost its presence in the UK. 

It also offers the firm its first UK production plant – it has 16 other sites in 11 countries producing a wide range of gluten-free products. 

GDR’s workforce will remain in place, including Ronnie Stebbings who will retain his leadership role as managing director of the company. 

Bradley Grimshaw, managing director at Dr. Schär UK said: “We are delighted that Ronnie Stebbings and his exceptional team at GDR Food Technology Ltd have chosen to join our business.  

“This move is set to significantly boost our presence in the UK and extend our expertise within the gluten-free bread category.” 

With the new facility, Grimshaw expressed confidence that his company can now facilitate the launch of fresh bakery products to complement its current assortment. 

Expanding into gluten-free bread could not be timelier for Dr. Schär as the market has been rapidly expanding driven by changing diets of consumers, increasing incidences of celiac disease, and innovations in baking. 

According to recent data from market research firm Techavio, the Gluten-Free Market in the UK is set to grow by US$195.80 million, progressing at a CAGR of 7.59% from 2021 to 2026. 

“This deal presents an exciting opportunity to get into the fresh bread market and fuels our vision of being recognized by all customers and consumers as the No. 1 brand in gluten-free,” Grimshaw added.  

Last year, Dr. Schär USA broke ground on a 42,000-square-foot expansion of its manufacturing facility in Logan Township, N.J.  

This expansion comes exactly 10 years after Dr. Schär broke ground on this New Jersey gluten-free bread production site.  

The plant expansion which is scheduled to complete in 2022 is needed to keep up with increasing demand of their gluten-free bread. 

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