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Cranswick enters pet food sector with latest acquisition

Cranswick enters pet food sector with latest acquisition
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UK food producer and supplier of premium, fresh and added-value food products Cranswick has announced the acquisition of Grove Pet Foods, stated recent reports.

Grove Pet Foods is a producer of dry dog food for several leading brands under private label relationships alongside its own brands including Vitalin (natural) and Alpha Feeds (working dog). The £21.5 million turnover company employs 100 people at a plant just west of Lincolnshire.


The FTSE-listed Hull giant stated that it had plans to invest in and develop Grove Pet Foods. Current Managing Director John Walgate will remain with and continue to lead the business.

Adam Couch, Cranswick’s Chief Executive, commented, “I am delighted to announce the acquisition of Grove Pet Foods, a well-invested manufacturer of dry pet food supplying leading brands focussed on the specialist pet retail market.

“This acquisition represents a platform for future growth in the attractive UK pet food market and diversification into this complementary category for Cranswick. The existing facility has capacity and a footprint for further expansion.”

Grove has recently invested £5 million in the site with a new packing hall and bagging machine. The value of the deal has not been disclosed.

Cranwick had been in the running for North Yorkshire business Inspired Pet Nutrition Ltd in late 2020, but pulled out of the bidding shortly after. The giant employs more than 13,000 people - and has made several major acquisitions in the food sector while also seeing strong organic growth serving major supermarkets and the likes of McDonald’s.

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