Beverage firm snaps up drinks and nut butter business
The 3V Group owns nut butter brand Meridian and organic squash label Rocks. Contracts have already been exchanged on the deal, with completion subject to clearance by Ireland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
Category growth
The 3V Group is headquartered in Hampshire, UK, with its main production sites located in Devon and Wales. SHS Group said the Meridian brand had been at the forefront of recent category growth for nut butters as a healthier protein option.
SHS claimed that Rocks, which was established in 1981 and is free from artificial sweeteners, flavours or additives, had grown to become the leading brand of organic squash in the UK.
As well as owning a number of premium branded products, including Bottlegreen and Merrydown Cider, SHS Group also supplies own-label herbs and spices in the UK. It distributes over 100 fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Strengthening portfolio
“The acquisition of Meridian and Rocks strengthens our owned brand portfolio and manufacturing capability as we continue to invest in bringing high-quality brands to a wide range of channels and geographies,” said SHS Group ceo Elaine Birchall.
“We are delighted to have acquired this dynamic business and look forward to working with the management team in driving growth in established and new markets.”
Russell Smart, commercial director, 3V Group said: “The team at 3V have worked incredibly hard to bring innovative and relevant product development to the market in response to changes in consumer demand over the last 12 years. The SHS Group, with its depth of expertise in FMCG brands, will help support our growth strategy and market reach in the UK and beyond.”
