News
KP Snacks to acquire Whole Earth Foods
Whole Earth is a popular brand of nut butters in the UK that has been owned by Ecotone since 2003.
Its range, which includes soft drinks, has also achieved growth in several European markets including Germany, the Netherlands, France, Spain and Italy.
Meanwhile, KP Snacks, which is part of the German Intersnack Group, owns a series of crisp and nut brands including McCoy’s, Hula Hoops, Tyrrells, Butterkist, KP Nuts, POM-BEAR, Popchips and Skips, in addition to manufacturing private label snack products for several retailers.
The firm employs more than 2,200 people in the UK across its seven manufacturing sites and head office in Slough.
No financial details of the deal or a projected completion date were disclosed in the announcement.
‘Fantastic addition’
Looking ahead, KP Snacks said it was “delighted” to welcome new colleagues from Whole Earth, but no other information about the integration process has yet been made available.
Mark Thorpe, the CEO of KP Snacks, added: “Whole Earth Foods is a fantastic addition to our business, expanding our selection of delicious, healthier products. Known for its commitment to high-quality, nutritious food, Whole Earth Foods complements our portfolio of iconic brands and aligns with our sustainable business practices.”
Meanwhile, Ecotone chief executive Christophe Barnouin said that the sale was an acknowledgement of 22 years of sustainable growth that had been achieved by Whole Earth, progressing from a “UK start-up to a leading European brand”.
“The integration into KP Snacks will enable Whole Earth Foods to continue to invest and grow for the future,” Barnouin concluded.
Based in Lyon, France, Ecotone owns food and drink brands such as Clipper, Isola Bio and Kallø. In January 2024, the firm’s UK chief executive Emma Vass joined the Food Manufacture Podcast to share more details about the firm’s ethos and her approach to leadership.
In other news, Asda has confirmed that 475 employees at its head offices in Leeds and Leicester are being made redundant.
