US baby food producer Plum Organics has acquired London-based organic baby food firm Plum UK.
The acquisition signals the start of international expansion for Plum Organics, it said today (24 January). It also positions the firm as a "leading kids nutrition brand" and the first to offer premium products for infants, toddlers and schoolchildren on an international scale, it said.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The combined Plum product portfolio will comprise around 150 products with distribution in over 13,000 stores internationally and retail sales in excess of US$120m.
"From the beginning, both companies were inspired by love to improve the health of our little ones by making great tasting organic food a part of a family's busy lifestyle," said Neil Grimmer, CEO and co-founder of Plum Organics. "Like Plum Organics, Plum UK is a 'David versus Goliath' brand filled with passionate people that are inspired to use the power of business to make a difference in the world. We're excited to continue this mission together."
Plum Organics® Acquires Plum UK To Nourish Little Foodies Around the World
Two companies founded by parents on a mission for kids combine forces to increase global impact
EMERYVILLE, Calif., Jan. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Plum Organics® a leading organic, kids nutrition company in the US, announced the start of their international expansion with the acquisition of London-based Plum UK, a key player in the organic baby food category in the United Kingdom. This partnership positions Plum as a leading kids nutrition brand and the first to offer premium products catered to the unique needs of infants, toddlers and school-aged children on an international scale. The combined Plum product portfolio will consist of over 150 products with distribution in over 13,000 stores internationally. The company will now have retail sales in excess of $120M USD.
These sister companies share more than a coincidental common name; both were founded by passionate parents with a shared vision of making organic nutrition more appealing and more accessible. Collectively, they hope to impart the modern philosophy that the path to long-term health begins with the very first bite.
In the US, Plum Organics has built a strong connection with parents and drove over 50% of the baby food category growth last year. The company's first-to-market launch of the squeezable pouch transformed the baby food category and allowed Plum to successfully expand into organic snack products geared towards the nutritional needs of school-aged children. Plum UK is best known for their innovative product formats as well as their premium, culinary-driven assortment. Most recently, the company experienced a 24% increase in distribution with the launch of their Taste Adventures line focused on globally inspired cuisine.
"From the beginning, both companies were inspired by love to improve the health of our little ones by making great tasting organic food a part of a family's busy lifestyle," said Neil Grimmer, CEO and Co-founder of Plum Organics. "Like Plum Organics, Plum UK is a 'David versus Goliath' brand filled with passionate people that are inspired to use the power of business to make a difference in the world. We're excited to continue this mission together."
"Plum Organics is known in the US as a game-changing innovation hothouse," said Scott Wotherspoon CEO of Plum UK. "The success of their expansion into the toddler and kids categories proves the strength of the Plum brand. We can't wait to capture some of that momentum by bringing their products to little ones in the UK and beyond."
With this partnership, Neil Grimmer will maintain his role as CEO for the new entity doing business as Plum Inc., and Scott Wotherspoon will continue to lead the UK business. The company headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area will employ 88 people including offices in London and New York. For more information about each company please visit: Plum Organics www.plumorganics.com and Plum UK www.plum-baby.co.uk
About Plum Organics: Plum Organics® is a pioneer and leading provider of premium, nutritious organic baby food, toddler and kid snack food products. Recognized for their unique culinary-inspired recipes and a modern approach to family nutrition, Plum Organics is the only brand that offers a complete line of organic products that ensure healthy eating from the highchair to the lunchboxTM. Inc. Magazine recently ranked Plum Organics #63 on their 2012 Inc. 500 list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America. In addition, the San Francisco Business Times named Neil Grimmer the Most-admired CEO in the Emerging Growth category for 2012.
About Plum UK: Plum UK is a leading creator of nutritious organic baby food in the UK. Founded in 2006 by Savoy trained Chef and Mum, Susie Willis, Plum changed the face of baby food in the UK by offering "real food for babies not just baby food." Initially crafted in the cookery school she ran, Plum is now available in all the major supermarket chains in the UK and Ireland offering over 40 products including convenient pouches, little pots, snacks and refrigerated dairy items. Junior Magazine recently named Plum the Best Children's Food Brand for 2012. In addition, Plum was a recipient of the 2012 Mother & Baby Awards.