Bakkavor Group plc, has completed the purchase of the trade and assets of Blueberry Foods, a desserts business owned by Samworth Brothers Limited.
Blueberry operates from a custom-built facility in Leicestershire with approximately 420 employees and produces a range of desserts for the UK’s leading grocery retailers. A capital investment of more than £10m over the last 18 months has expanded the factory footprint and upgraded equipment to deliver new capabilities and competencies. In the financial year ended 31 December 2018, revenues were £42m and the business made a loss of £1m at an EBITDA level.
The acquisition of Blueberry is a strong strategic fit according to Bakkavor and will:
- Build on their position in chilled desserts, providing both additional capacity and new capabilities such as hot desserts
- Bring operational synergies over the medium term as Bakkavor incorporates Blueberry into their existing business
- Further strengthen Bakkavor's desserts offer to their two largest customers, both of whom are also important customers of Blueberry
Commenting on the transaction, Agust Gudmundsson, Chief Executive Officer of Bakkavor, said: “The acquisition of Blueberry is a great strategic fit for Bakkavor. Together with our recent addition of Haydens Bakery and a major investment at our site at Newark, our long-term commitment to growing our desserts category in the UK is clear. The team at Blueberry share our passion for providing outstanding service, quality and value to customers and we look forward to welcoming them to the Group.”
For more information:
Sally Barrett-Jolley
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7908 6143