FDBusiness.com

Boulder Brands, a leading US-based global health-and-wellness company, has acquired one of the UK’s top gluten free baking businesses, Cheshire-based Davies Bakery, from Frank Roberts & Sons for an undisclosed sum. The deal combines a leading UK gluten free bakery operation with a proven North American brand and is a major boost for driving growth and investment into the gluten free category, which is estimated to be worth in excess of £310 million.

Boulder Brands will establish a subsidiary company in the UK, Boulder Brands UK, and will look to introduce its hugely successful Udi’s Gluten Free Foods brand later on in the year. In North America, Udi’s transformed the category by making food that tastes no different than conventional gluten-filled products. Udi’s has helped millions who were feeling restricted by their daily food sacrifices.

Davies Bakery has built up a reputation, over five generations, for producing high quality and innovative products. The deal will see the manufacture and distribution of more than 50 Udi’s products throughout the UK.

Steve Hughes, CEO and Chairman at Boulder Brands, comments: “The Udi’s brand leads the Gluten Free category in the US by making the most delicious and innovative products without sacrificing taste or texture. With a cult-like fan base, Udi’s sales skyrocketed from £1.2 million in 2009 to £61 million in 2012. The acquisition of Davies Bakery, with their heritage and baking expertise, is a step forward to bring the same high-quality standards to a growing number of gluten free consumers in the UK.”

Boulder Brands UK has set its targets on unveiling a range of up to 50 potential Udi’s lines becoming available across all categories of both the Gluten Free & Dairy Free markets.