Bramble Foods Group has expanded its portfolio of ambient brands with the acquisition of Yorkshire chocolatier Whitakers Chocolates for an undisclosed sum.
The strategic move strengthened the Bramble Foods offering, uniting two family-owned brands with “a shared commitment to quality and heritage”, the group said.
Whitakers can trace its heritage back to 1889 and today crafts premium confectionery for retail, private label and foodservice markets.
The Whitakers management team, led by William Whitaker, will remain in place following the deal.
Founded in 2008 by brothers Nigel and Tony Foster, alongside Chris Neville and Ken Osborne, Bramble is headquartered in Leicestershire and has been backed by private equity firm LDC since a 2022 MBO.
It produces a range of premium products, including confectionery, traditional cakes, preserves and chutneys.
“Whitakers is well run 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,” said MD Tony Foster.
“As a family, Whitakers is our longest-standing supplier, having worked together for over 40 years.”
Whitakers MD William Whitaker added: “As a fourth-generation member of the Whitaker family, chocolate has been at the very heart of my life for as long as I can remember.
“I am delighted that Whitakers Chocolates has joined the Bramble Foods Group as it is a wonderful opportunity to share our knowledge and invest for the future together. Whilst I will always carry the immense pride and heritage we’ve built over 135 years, I recognise that now is the right time to pass on our cherished traditions to a company that can develop the business further.”
The deal follows the acquisition of artisan chutney producer The Bay Tree Food Co in early 2024.
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