Samworth Brothers buys sports nutrition firm

04-Oct-2015 - Last updated on 05-Oct-2015 at 09:59 GMT

Samworth Brothers has acquired the company behind sports nutrition brand SCI-MX

Samworth Brothers, the maker of Ginsters pasties, has acquired the owner of sports nutrition brand SCI-MX for an undisclosed sum.

The chilled food manufacturer said the acquisition of SCI-MX Nutrition would lead the company into the growing sports nutrition sector.

The SCI-MX brand features powder, capsule and convenience sports nutrition products including its Pro2Go high protein flapjack.

Samworth Brothers group chief executive Lindsey Pownall said the company already participated in sport by sponsoring triathletes and holding charity endurance challenges.

‘High-growth sector’

“This is an exciting development for Samworth Brothers, leading us into a new and high-growth sector,” Pownall said.

“SCI-MX will be supported by the group’s strong retailer relationships and our proven ability to grow brands.”

Founded in 2007, SCI-MX claimed to have become the fasted growing sports nutrition brand in the grocery sector.

View from Samworth Brothers

“This is an exciting development for Samworth Brothers, leading us into a new and high growth sector.”

Lindsey Pownall, group chief executive at Samworth Brothers

The company operated from Brockworth in Gloucestershire and its senior management team will remain with the business after the acquisition.

‘Massive potential’ in UK

SCI-MX managing director Trayl Wallace said the firm saw “massive potential” for growth in the UK — the world’s second biggest market for sports nutrition behind the US.

“Our vision at SCI-MX is to become a household name for healthy, high protein, convenient snacking,” Wallace said.

“The sports nutrition market has evolved significantly in recent years, moving from the niche end of exercise, to becoming synonymous with a healthy lifestyle, thus presenting a huge value gap for future growth.”

In addition to Ginsters pasties, Samworth Brothers also manufactured Soreen malt loaf and produced chilled food products, including pork pies and sandwiches, for leading UK retailers.