Organic and natural products company Hain Celestial Group’s UK subsidiary has acquired Orchard House Foods, a supplier of fruit desserts, juices and ingredients in the UK.
Orchard Foods was established in 1985 by Wellness Foods . It supplies to retailers, mobile food outlets, food service providers and producers in the UK.
Hain Celestial founder, president and CEO said: "We are excited about the acquisition of Orchard House, which expands our presence in the on-trend fresh category with prepared fruit, drinks and desserts.
"Orchard House provides us with the opportunity to expand fruit product offerings into continental Europe, as well as new product development with cold pressed juice and branded fruit product offerings in the United Kingdom. Additionally, we expect sales and operating efficiencies in terms of fruit procurement across our businesses around the world.
"Along with the acquisition comes innovative new processing technology to expand the shelf life of fresh fruit and juices. We also believe there may be opportunities to leverage Orchard House's expertise into new branded product offerings in fruit, juice and bars under the Ella's Kitchen, Hartley's, Johnson's Juice Co. and Sun-Ripe brands."
Hain Daniels Group CEO Jeremy Hudson said: "This is a truly exciting acquisition, increasing our product offerings to meet consumers' desire for a healthier lifestyle and the "5 A DAY" Live Well Healthy Living for Everyone" initiative in the United Kingdom.
"Orchard House brings new capacity and opportunities for accelerated growth across a number of categories, including the development of our existing branded ranges and new brands presently being prepared for launch."
The acquisition is yet to receive approval from Competition Market Authority in the UK. Till the time the acquisition receives the approval, the companies will continue to operate separately.
Following the acquisition, Hain Celestial Group expects around $60-65m in net sales and a slight improvement in earnings.
Recently, Hain Celestial Group made significant investment in Chopt Creative Salad Company in partnership with Catterton, a consumer-focused private equity firm. The investment was made to combine the strengths of Hain Celestial's innovation and its presence in natural foods with that of Chopt salads and craveable dressings.
