UK -Prima Bakeries Group has acquired Furniss of Cornwall, a well-known UK biscuit maker, for an undisclosed sum.
This acquisition, announced on September 12, 2024, marks a strategic expansion for Prima, based in Redruth, Cornwall, where both companies are located.
Prima Bakeries Group, which operates brands such as Prima Bakeries and Cornish Premier Pasties, plans to enhance its production capabilities by opening a new 20,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in St. Columb, another town in Cornwall, later this year.
This facility aims to bolster the production of savoury pastries and the newly acquired biscuit range. Mark Norton, managing director of Prima Bakeries Group, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “This is an incredibly exciting time for us as we bring another iconic Cornish food brand under our wing.”
He emphasized the synergy between the two businesses, noting, “There is a lot of synergy between the businesses, as well as complementary product ranges.”
Furniss has a rich history, established in 1886 by John Furniss as a tea shop in Truro. It is recognised as the only company licensed to produce The Original Cornish Fairing, a traditional ginger biscuit that has become synonymous with Cornish culinary heritage.
The acquisition will retain all 30 Furniss employees, including managing director Des Bell, and aim to expand production at the Redruth plant.
Bell remarked, “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring, allowing us to reach new markets and enhance our product offerings.”
As part of the integration process, Prima Bakeries Group intends to invest in the Furniss plant to increase its cookie and biscuit output.
This strategic investment aligns with the group’s broader goal of enhancing its market presence and product diversity.
The combined operations of Prima Bakeries and Cornish Premier Pasties are projected to achieve a turnover of £15 million (US$19.6 million) this year, reflecting a robust growth trajectory.
In recent financial filings, Prima Bakeries Group reported a turnover increase of 17.8% to £11.8 million (US$15.5 million) for the year ending August 31, 2023, despite a slight decline in net profit.
The acquisition is pivotal for the UK food industry, which faces various challenges, including rising costs and changing consumer preferences.
By expanding its product line to include Furniss’s biscuits, Prima Bakeries Group is positioning itself to meet evolving market demands while preserving traditional Cornish food heritage.
Norton further stated, “Our responsibility is to now build on the brilliant work that the previous owners and directors have done, to further grow the business.”
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