Bramble Foods Group Acquires Whitakers Chocolates
In a move that unites two esteemed family-owned brands, Bramble Foods Group, a supplier of branded ambient foods, has acquired Yorkshire’s renowned Whitakers Chocolates.
Established in 1889, Whitakers Chocolates has been at the heart of British chocolate-making for 135 years, creating luxurious confectionery for retail, private label, and food service markets.
What’s more, this acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies, cementing a trusted partnership that has spanned over 40 years.
The Managing Director of Bramble Foods expressed their excitement about the acquisition, stating that they are delighted to welcome Whitakers Chocolates to the Bramble Foods Group and look forward to working with William and his team to further develop the business.
They praised Whitakers as a well-run business with a long history of producing excellent products, highlighting its broad customer base and dedicated workforce as key factors that attracted them to the acquisition.
Founded in 2008 by brothers Nigel and Tony Foster, alongside Chris Neville and Ken Osborne, Bramble Foods has built a reputation for producing premium products from its Market Harborough headquarters.
Its portfolio includes confectionery, traditional cakes, award-winning preserves, and chutneys, all while supporting local suppliers and employment. The addition of Whitakers Chocolates complements Bramble Foods’ largest product category – confectionery – and underscores the group’s commitment to delivering high-quality, handcrafted goods.
The Managing Director of Whitakers Chocolates, a fourth-generation member of the Whitaker family, expressed their enthusiasm for the new partnership, sharing that chocolate has been at the very heart of their life for as long as they can remember.
They added further that joining the Bramble Foods Group is a wonderful opportunity to share their knowledge and invest for the future together. While they carry immense pride in the heritage they have built over 135 years, now is the right time to pass on their cherished traditions to a company that can develop the business further.
Despite the change in ownership, Whitakers Chocolates’ management team, led by William Whitaker, will remain in place, ensuring continuity in operations and a seamless integration into the Bramble Foods Group.
This acquisition also reflects the growth strategy supported by LDC, the private equity investor and part of Lloyds Banking Group, which backed Bramble Foods in 2022. Since then, LDC has provided strategic guidance as Bramble Foods continues to expand both organically and through acquisitions.
To conclude, with this strategic union, Bramble Foods and Whitakers Chocolates bring together decades of expertise, a shared commitment to quality, and a deep respect for their family-owned traditions.
This partnership not only strengthens Bramble Foods’ portfolio but also paves the way for future growth and innovation, ensuring that the legacy of both brands will thrive for generations to come.
News Credits: Bramble Foods Group gobbles up Whitakers Chocolates
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