Plant-Ex Ingredients secures £9m to drive expansion

Founded in 2010, Plant-Ex specialises in the development, manufacture and distribution of natural food colours, extracts and flavours, supplying food manufacturers around the world from its own facilities and via its network of distribution partners.

The ingredients manufacturer is set to focus on growing its presence in the US, following the launch of its Chicago division earlier this year.

In the past month, Plant-Ex has also opened a new factory in Bristol, UK, which has double the capacity of its previous site. In addition to its operations in the UK and US, the firm has sites in Poland and Turkey.

Alongside BGF’s investment, Plant-Ex’s leadership team has been bolstered with the appointment of non-executive chair Susan Barratt to its board.

Recruited through BGF’s talent network, Barratt has built experience working in roles with the Institute of Grocery Distribution and the Department of Health and Social Care.

‘World beating expertise in product development’

Plant-Ex founder and CEO Giles Drewett commented: “It’s a huge privilege to be working in partnership with BGF, and to welcome Susan to our board. Plant-Ex has an exceptional portfolio of products with some world beating expertise in product development and manufacturing.​

“Having the funds in place combined with strategic support from BGF and Susan means that the next major developments can be planned and executed to deliver against the high standards expected by our international customer base.”​

Meanwhile, BGF investor James Skade said that the rapid growth of Plant-Ex over the past 14 years is testament to the firm’s “passion and hard work”.​

“As Giles and his team look to expand further into international markets, there’s a huge amount of positive impact they can have on consumers, in terms of providing natural, sustainable colours, flavours and extracts in the global marketplace, and we look forward helping them fulfil their objectives,”​ added Skade.

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