The British chocolatier Whitakers has been crafting luxurious confectionery for retail, private label, and food service markets since 1889.
Now, following a 17-year supplier partnership with Bramble Foods Group, the Yorkshire chocolate maker has joined the ambient food producer and distributor in a deal that will see two family-owned brands coming together.
Founded in 2008 by brothers Nigel and Tony Foster, alongside Chris Neville and Ken Osborne, Bramble Foods has firmly established itself in the UK market.
From its Market Harborough headquarters, Bramble Foods produces a wide range of premium products, including its largest category confectionery, traditional cakes, award-winning preserves, and chutneys, while supporting local employment and suppliers.
This acquisition follows one made this time last year, which saw Bramble Foods bringing The Bay Tree Food Co. under its umbrella. This latest acquisition represents a further strategic move from the supplier as it looks to strengthen its portfolio and cement its UK foothold.
Commenting, Tony Foster, managing director of Bramble Foods, said: “We are delighted to welcome Whitakers Chocolates to the Bramble Foods Group and look forward to working with William and his team to further develop the business.
“Whitakers is a well-run business with a long history of producing excellent products, this coupled with a broad customer base and dedicated team of employees attracted us to the business. As a family, Whitakers is our longest standing supplier having worked together for over 40 years.”
The addition of Whitakers will enhance its capabilities in delivering products to retailers and food service partners nationwide.
“As a fourth-generation member of the Whitaker family, chocolate has been at the very heart of my life for as long as I can remember,” said William Whitaker, managing director of Whitakers Chocolates.
“I am delighted that Whitakers Chocolates have joined the Bramble Foods Group as it is a wonderful opportunity to share our knowledge and invest for the future together. Whilst I will always carry the immense pride and heritage we’ve built over 135 years, I recognise that now is the right time to pass on our cherished traditions to a company that can develop the business further.”
The Whitakers Chocolates management team, led by William Whitaker, will remain in place following the acquisition, preserving the artisanal traditions that have defined the brand for over a century.
Bramble Foods was backed by LDC, the private equity investor which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, in 2022. Since then, LDC has supported Tony Foster and the wider management team as they deliver their organic and acquisitive growth strategy.
