The British Honey Company to consolidate production
The company made the announcement as it reported annual sales ahead of expectations in a trading update. The decision follows its agreement to buy Leicester-based Union Distillers, which is based in Market Harborough in February 2021.
In a statement, BHC said its Market Harborough site had ample space and capacity that could be effectively used for the group. "This will produce significant cost savings and enable us to operate in a much more efficient and cost-effective manner at the Market Harborough distillery site," it stated.
BHC said it would still retain and produce the Keepr's brand and product range out of Market Harborough, ensuring it maintains its broad product offering.
Annual sales of £8.4m
In the 12-month period to 31 December 2021, the company ended the year with sales ahead of expectations, forecasting them to be 'not less than £8.4m for the group trading as a whole, for the period'. "We have good visibility of production orders for the start of 2022 and we are encouraged by our order book for the first quarter and beyond," BHC stated.
BHC chairman Richard Day said: "Our sales fared well in the final quarter of the year, providing good momentum into 2022 and giving us every confidence as we start the new financial year. Demand for our products remains strong and we are making rapid progress in ensuring our operations are more efficient.
"It is essential that we have the right cost base in order to remain competitive as a business and can take advantage of the significant opportunities we are seeing in the market.
'Right time to consolidate'
Therefore, the board considered now was the right time to consolidate our production, distribution and business operations into our Market Harborough distillery site. We will work with the teams that are affected in the coming weeks to ensure they have the support needed during this transition."
BHC is a UK-based producer of spirits, honey and jams. It began trading in November 2014 initially focused on honey production and, later, expanding into honey infused spirits. The company currently produces 13 honey products and 16 spirits, including gin, vodka, rum and whiskey under brands such as Keepr's and Two Birds.
