Mike Hedges was hired back in 2022, having previously served as the chief executive for Tyrrells Potato Crisps and popcorn brand Proper. He then went on to become chairman for chocolate brand Doisy & Damn, where he remained between July 2021 and October 2022 before joining Little Moons as CEO.
During his two-year stint, Little Moons told Food Manufacture that Hedges oversaw a ‘transformative period’ at the company, including its international expansion across Europe and APAC, and the construction of a new 50,000 sq. ft facility in Kettering, set to open later this year.
Little Moons, which specialises in ice cream wrapped in a dough known as ‘mochi’, has seen rapid sales growth in the last few years. Turnover more than doubled, going from £25.5m to £64.5m in the 18 months leading up to December 2022. The most significant growth has been driven by sales in France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the UK and Ireland.
Based on the capacity of the Kettering site and likely production requirements over the next three to five years globally, the business has informed Food Manufacture it will be undertaking a review of its footprint. This includes exploring the viability of consolidating its operations currently in Park Royal into the new facility.
"We know that brings uncertainty to our teams in Park Royal and Wembley," the company told Food Manufacture. "Staff affected by the proposal have been informed and are being formally consulted before any final decision is taken.
"We’re being open with our colleagues, involving them as early as possible in the process and are committed to reaching a conclusion quickly, consulting appropriately and above all treating our colleagues with integrity."
In the meantime, the company is recruiting for Hedges’ replacement, with Vivien Wong, co-founder of Little Moons, stepping into the role in the interim. She will be supported by executive chair, Flor Healy.
Offering comment on Hedges' departure, Wong said: "We’d like to thank Mike for overseeing Little Moons growth in the UK and internationally over the last couple of years and we wish him the very best for the future."
In other news, Wincanton has acquired Invar as it continues to make strides in its digital and robotic transformation journey.
