FDBusiness.com

Burton’s Biscuit Company, which bakes some of the UK’s best loved biscuits brands including Jammie Dodger, Maryland Cookie and Wagon Wheel, has completed the acquisition of premium sweet and savoury biscuit manufacturer, Dorset-based Thomas Fudge’s from Livingbridge, one of the UK’s leading mid-market private equity investors.

The acquisition marks another important milestone in Burton’s strategy of building partnerships and delivering growth within the biscuits category. In the last few years, this drive and expertise has enabled Burton’s to launch the no.1 confectionery brands of Mars into the biscuits fixture, building a range of biscuits worth in excess of £11 million RSV in its first year, whilst also growing a strong branded business and retailer brand partnerships.

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, chief executive of Burton’s Biscuit Co, says: “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 its 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.”

He adds: “Having listened to our customers around the innovation and category leadership they want, we feel this acquisition enhances our ability to meet those objectives, and we are excited to work with our trade partners to build new category value with this premium capability alongside our existing great brands and retailer brand offerings.”