Product news


News in brief Spirits distributor Speciality


Brands has signed an exclusive partnership with Chichibu Distillery, taking over from Speciality Drinks. Starting


from April 2024, the company will focus on expanding the Japanese small batch whisky’s presence in the UK across all channels.


British oat producer Glebe Farm Foods has won a tender for its


PureOaty brand to supply British Airways’ long-haul business. The new partnership will see PureOaty’s Barista oat drink


served on longer international flights departing from Gatwick and Heathrow.


Candied fruit brand Cesarin is the latest addition to


ingredients supplier Henley


Bridge’s product range. Cesarin, which was established in 1920, manufactures candied fruits, pastes and mirror glazes for the professional bakery, foodservice and ice-cream markets. The


45-strong ambient range is free from flavourings and colourings.


Cocktail brand Pimentae has partnered with Fuller’s, enabling the pub group to offer the drinks firm’s signature Tommy’s margarita on tap in


several of its venues. Pimentae will be available across five Fuller’s sites: the Hydrant, the


Conductor, the Fence, the Great Northern Railway Tavern and Union Tavern.


Julian Ross, chief executive and founder of guest WiFi, analytics and marketing solution provider Wireless Social, has invested in influencer marketing platform Invyted. Ross started Wireless Social in 2013 and sold it to


software firm Access Group in January. He will bring his decade of experience in the hospitality and technology sectors.


French plant-based meat


start-up Umiami has achieved B Corp certification, concluding a process initiated in 2021. Umiami demonstrated its


virtuous model and mission, scoring 80 points on the B Corp criteria.


Bunzl to acquire majority £339m stake in Nisbets


By Clare Nicholls


Outsourcing firm Bunzl is set to acquire an 80% stake in catering equipment dealer Nisbets and associated entities for an initial consideration of £339m. The purchase price of the


deal values Nisbets at more than £500m. The company was founded by Andrew Nisbet in 1983 and has 1,800 employees. Nisbets itself has been acquis-


itive over the years, picking up kitchen design house Space Catering, microwave whole- saler Bradshaw, linen supplier Mitre Linen, servicing firm UK Engineers and latterly barware supplier Beaumont. For the year ended 31 Decem-


ber 2023, it generated profit before interest, tax and amortisa- tion of £40.2m. Peter Sephton, chairman of


Nisbets, said: “Based on our extensive engagement with Bunzl


Bunzl said it aimed to bring strategic and operational value to Nisbets


over the past months, it became clear that both parties have a shared vision and a commitment to customers and colleagues that will build on Nisbets’ heritage and growth strategy. The acquisition will help drive our strategy for growth by bringing both strategic and operational value to Nisbets.” Frank van Zanten, chief executive


at Bunzl, added: “Andrew Nisbet has built a high-quality business,


with a well-respected manage- ment team. The business is com- plementary to our operations in the catering equipment sector and will enhance our own brand offering and digital capabilities.” Sephton will remain chairman


and chief executive, while founder Nisbet will serve as non-execu- tive director. It is expected that both parties will continue to operate separately.


Co-operative First Milk buys BV Dairy


Farmer-owned dairy co-operative First Milk has bought out man- ufacturer Blackmore Vale Farm Cream, which trades as BV Dairy. BV Dairy is based in Dorset


and services customers through- out England, Wales and Scotland, across the food manufacturing and foodservice industries, as well as offering co-manufacturing to markets such as the home meal solutions and gut health sectors. The acquisition grows First Milk’s manufacturing and market reach and offers a platform for growth.


products@thecaterer.com


BV Dairy says the acquisition will enable it to extend its manufacturing and marketing performance Shelagh Hancock, chief exec-


utive of First Milk, believes BV Dairy shares common values with her firm, such as a focus on people and community, environ- mental performance, quality and long-term value creation. She said: “The BV Dairy busi-


ness has strong customer rela- tionships and a reputation for quality and service across food manufacture and foodservice. This provides a genuine extension to our business, extending our manufacturing and market


reach, offering a platform for fur- ther growth and development.” Jim Highnam, managing direc-


tor of BV Dairy, added: “Having made the decision to sell the business, we wanted to ensure the new owners would provide a secure future for our customers, colleagues, farmers and suppliers. Both businesses share a down-to- earth, pragmatic approach, balanc- ing the needs of all stakeholders.” UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson advised First Milk on the acquisition.


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