Founded in 2017, The Cheese Geek secured backing from the Diary of a CEO host in 2021 before entering administration this month.
However, the Albex Group has now confirmed that it has acquired the brand’s assets, marking its second cheese sector acquisition following its deal for Tom Walker & Sons in 2020.
The Cheese Geek supplies retailers including Sainsbury’s and Selfridges, as well as various foodservice establishments, with cheeses sourced from a range of local artisan producers.
It also possesses a direct-to-consumer sales platform on its website and created its own app.
Commenting on the deal, Alex Group director Andrew Dalglish said that the firm was delighted to be bringing Cheese Geek on board.
“Cheese Geek’s mission to support local artisan cheesemakers and make great cheese accessible is an important one,” Dalglish continued.
“As a family company we always take a long-term view and are committed to fully supporting Cheese Geek. Our funding gives them the stability needed to continue operating and more. It will allow them to achieve their full potential and do so in partnership with the artisans who bring much needed diversity and craftsmanship to the UK’s cheese industry.”
Founder Edward Hancock will remain at the helm moving forward, supported by the team he has built over the past eight years.
“From a day-to-day perspective it’s very much business as usual at Cheese Geek,” added Dalglish.
“They’ll continue to fulfil orders uninterrupted and provide great service. And they’ll continue to partner with a core group of artisan cheesemakers. In addition to that, we’ve already begun planning some major investments designed which will see Cheese Geek embark on some exciting new projects.”
Based in Paisley, Scotland, Alex Group owns a series of food businesses including Henley Bridge, Crumbs & Miller, Kent Foods and Rainbow Dust.
Its portfolio of firms employs more than 3,000 people and operates 10 sites in the UK.
