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Yeo Valley Production has acquired Epicurean Dairy (UK), the owner of premium yogurt brand The Collective, in a move that consolidates the UK dairy market amid growing competition.

The acquisition, which brings The Collective brand under Yeo Valley’s umbrella, is expected to enhance the company’s product portfolio and manufacturing capabilities. The deal signals a strategic alignment between the two businesses, as Yeo Valley looks to capitalise on The Collective’s strong brand reputation and innovative product development in the gourmet dairy space.

Yeo Valley has long positioned itself as a sustainable and high-quality dairy producer. By bringing The Collective into its portfolio, the company is set to expand its presence in the premium yogurt category, a segment that has seen increased consumer interest in recent years.

Rob Sexton, chief executive at Yeo Valley Production, said: “The Collective brand is renowned for never compromising on the quality and market-leading taste of its products. Add this to the values of the business, encapsulated in its B-Corp accreditation and we see this as a perfect fit with Yeo Valley Production.”

He continued: “This agreement will ensure the Collective brand continues to deliver taste-led innovation and great value. Together, we have ambitious plans to drive the growth of delicious British dairy. It’s an exciting new chapter for us all.”

The UK’s yogurt market has evolved significantly, with premium and high-protein offerings gaining traction as consumers seek healthier, more natural alternatives. The Collective, known for its distinctive flavours and premium ingredients, has built a strong following among consumers looking for gourmet dairy options.

Sarah Smart, CEO of The Collective UK, noted the company’s longstanding partnership with Yeo Valley, stating that the acquisition represents a natural next step for the brand. “Yeo Valley Production has been integral to The Collective’s growth journey, and the alignment of our values around sustainability and quality makes this an ideal fit. This transition provides the perfect foundation for The Collective to continue driving innovation in the dairy sector,” she said.

For Yeo Valley, acquiring The Collective not only enhances its product offering but also reinforces its ability to compete with multinational dairy producers and independent premium brands alike. The move is likely to stimulate further investment in new product development, particularly in the functional and high-protein dairy segments, which have witnessed significant growth in recent years.

As consumer preferences continue to shift towards natural, sustainable, and high-quality dairy products, the combined strengths of Yeo Valley and The Collective could position them as a formidable player in the UK’s premium dairy landscape.

With increased competition from plant-based alternatives and fluctuating dairy prices, the long-term success of the acquisition will depend on Yeo Valley’s ability to maintain quality, innovate and effectively integrate The Collective into its operations.