Private equity backed Bramble Foods Group acquires The Bay Tree Food Co

The Bay Tree Food Co is a Devon-based manufacturer of branded chutney, relish, sauce and jam, as well as own-label and bespoke recipe solutions for retailers and foodservice businesses. Founded in 1994 by Emma Macdonald, it operates a BRC accredited factory in Ivybridge.

Meanwhile, Bramble Foods manufactures and distributes fine foods to retailers, garden centres, farm shops and holiday parks, and has been packed by private equity firm LDC since December 2021. LDC is part of the Lloyds Banking Group and has supported the Bramble Foods management team with the delivery of its organic and acquisitive growth strategy.

Headquartered in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, Bramble Foods manufactures and supplies more than 2,000 products, including preserves, pickles, chutneys, sauces, cakes, biscuits, confectionery, hampers and seasonal goods. With around 2,000 customers, the group has a turnover of £35m.

Speaking after the agreement was announced, Macdonald, who will remain with the business, said she was “excited​” to work with the Bramble Foods team as The Bay Tree Food Co entered the next phase of its growth.

“Being part of a larger group will accelerate the next phase of our development and I’m looking forward to the opportunities that will bring​,” added Macdonald.

Meanwhile, Bramble Foods chief executive Tony Foster said that the acquisition would help enhance the firm’s “branded product offering and production facilities​”.

He continued: “At the heart of Bramble Foods is an unrivalled range of high-quality foods. Year on year, we have increased our food production capabilities and invested in our personalisation service to offer unique bespoke products to our customers.”​

Partner at LDC Rob Schofield also welcomed the agreement, stating that it presents The Bay Tree Food Co with “an excellent opportunity to support the growth of its offering​”.

In other news, Bernard Matthews has proposed the closure of its Great Witchingham site in Norfolk, where it employs 600 members of staff.​​