Burton’s Biscuit Company has acquired sweet and savoury biscuit manufacturer Thomas Fudge’s from private equity investor Livingbridge in an all-UK deal.
The deal sees Burton’s expand its capabilities in the premium confectionery segment. Dorset-based Thomas Fudge’s makes a range of flatbreads, biscuits for cheese, wafers, florentines and flapjacks.
Burton’s – the owner brands such as Maryland Cookies, Wagon Wheels and Jammie Dodgers – currently has an agreement with Mondelēz International to bake products for its Cadbury brand.
The firm said the premium sector is one of the fastest-growing in the biscuit category as growing numbers of consumers are seeking indulgence delivered by provenance, high-quality ingredients and engaging textures.
Nick Field, Burton’s CEO, said the acquisition represents a “continued commitment and investment by Burton’s to extend our capability and bring new and exciting products to market in both the sweet and savoury premium segments”.
He added: “Thomas Fudge’s is a great business with a fantastic portfolio of premium products and baking expertise handed down through generations.
“The bakery provides a hugely complementary production capability to Burton’s own bakeries, extending into the more premium and artisanal end of the category with their branded, retailer brand and Marmite products baked under licence.
“We are excited about the opportunity to develop these three important pillars and look forward to working with our retail partners to drive growth through innovation and excitement in the category.”
Emma Davies, Thomas Fudge’s CEO, said: “We’re really excited about becoming part of the Burton’s family as we enter our next phase of development as a business and would like to thank Livingbridge for their support in recent years.”
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