Hain Celestial acquires Orchard House Foods

Included in the acquisition will be Orchard House Foods’ production facilities in Corby and Gateshead, pending Competition Market Authority clearance over the sale of the £40M–43M ($60M–65M) business.

The firm’s md James Skidmore, along with his leadership team, will remain with the business.

The acquisition would expand Hain Celestial’s presence in the on-trend fresh category and help it boost its fruit product offering to continental Europe, its founder, president and ceo Irwin Simon said.

Expand NPD in UK ​

In the UK, it would expand Hain Celestial’s new product development with cold pressed juice and branded fruit products, Simon added.

“Additionally, we expect sales and operating efficiencies in terms of fruit procurement across our businesses around the world,”​ Simon claimed.

“Along with the acquisition comes innovative new processing technology to expand the shelf life of fresh fruit and juices.​

“We also believe there may be opportunities to leverage Orchard House’s expertise into new branded product offerings in fruit, juice and bars under the Ella’s Kitchen, Hartley’s, Johnson’s Juice Co and Sun-Ripe brands.”  ​

Demand for a healthier lifestyle​

Increasing its product offerings would help meet consumer demand for a healthier lifestyle and the “5 A DAY”​ Live Well Healthy Living for Everyone” initiative in the United Kingdom, the Hain Celestial Group claimed.

“Orchard House brings new capacity and opportunities for accelerated growth across a number of categories, including the development of our existing branded ranges and new brands presently being prepared for launch,” ​Jeremy Hudson, ceo of Hain Daniels Group added.

Orchard House Foods was founded in 1985 by British entrepreneur David Long, following a trip to California.

In 2005, the firm was sold to Wellness Foods.