UK dairy business Yeo Valley Production has signed a deal to acquire Epicurean Dairy (UK) and The Collective brand.
Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.
Yeo Valley said that this acquisition combines its “broad” manufacturing capabilities with the “innovative, taste-led” ranges for which The Collective is “renowned”.
Yeo Valley CEO Rob Sexton described The Collective as a “perfect fit” for the company, adding, “We have ambitious plans to drive the growth of delicious British dairy”.
He added: “This ambitious new partnership will enable more opportunities for The Collective to deliver more great-tasting innovative dairy to British fridges.”
The Collective was founded in New Zealand by chefs Angus Allan and Ofer Shenhav in 2009. Its UK arm was established in 2011 by Amelia Harvey and the late Mike Hodgson.
The brand is known for its live yoghurts, kids’ range Suckies and dairy-free yoghurts.
In 2018, The Collective sold a 39% stake to Auckland-based private-equity fund Pencarrow, marking its first equity investment.
The Collective UK CEO Sarah Smart said: “Yeo Valley Production is a long-time partner of The Collective and has been an integral part of the brand’s growth journey and success over the years.
“The close alignment of the businesses values and visions to deliver natural, healthy, great tasting and sustainable food that is better for people and planet, makes Yeo Valley the perfect home for the next stage of The Collective’s growth.”
Yeo Valley, independently owned by the Mead family and employees, operates across five sites in Somerset and Devon in south-west England, employing more than 1,700 people.
The company produces yogurt, cream, ice cream, and soup under the Yeo Valley Organic brand, with additional brands Tideford, Ubley, and now The Collective.
In 2018, Arla Foods acquired Yeo Valley’s liquid milk, butter, and cheese business.
