Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Noble Foods divests dessert brand Gü

Noble Foods divests dessert brand Gü

Private equity firm Exponent has reached an agreement to acquire premium dessert brand Gü from Noble Foods for an undisclosed figure.

A clear leader in the UK chilled desserts market, Gü has led the growth of the premium segment for retailers with its restaurant-quality desserts. In recent years, it has expanded into new and growing categories such as free-from. The brad also has a strong and growing presence in France and Germany.


“We are excited to be partnering with Exponent on the next stage of Gü’s growth journey,” Pete Utting, managing director at Gü said. “The team has a deep understanding of the food and drink sector and a strong track record in adding value to well-known brands such as Loch Lomond Whisky, Vibrant Foods and Eat Real and Proper, and most notably returning Quorn to growth and expanding its presence internationally during its ownership of the company between 2011 and 2016.”

Noble Foods acquired the brand in 2010 and has supported its growth over the last ten years, including by investing in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bishops Stortford which opened in 2018.

Utting said Exponent has already committed to a significant investment to further increase capacity at the site, which will enable the brand to meet future demand from the UK, Europe and the US.

Last year the brand claimed the top spot in the chilled dessert category, with retail sales value up 25 per cent YoY to more than £69m (Nielsen, Total Market data to w/e 24.04.21) - the second consecutive year Gü achieved double digit growth.

Simon Davidson, senior partner at Exponent commented: “We are very pleased to welcome Gü to the Exponent portfolio. We have followed the business for over a decade, having recognised its exceptional brand, great products and strong growth potential.

“We now look forward to supporting Pete and the team as they deliver its next phase of growth. Building on its success in the UK, we believe Gü has enormous international potential with the opportunity to create a truly global, premium indulgence brand.”

The sale is expected to conclude in June.

More for you

Volumatic employees ‘Wear It Pink’ to support Breast Cancer Now

Volumatic employees ‘Wear It Pink’ to support Breast Cancer Now, with Mandy House positioned second from right

Volumatic employees ‘Wear It Pink’ to support Breast Cancer Now

Employees from cash handling experts Volumatic have taken part in a special "Wear It Pink" day to raise money for cancer charity, Breast Cancer Now.

Around 40 staff members based at Volumatic’s Head Office in Coventry donned something pink – from socks, scarves and wigs to full head-to-toe outfits in pink, to raise funds for a charity very close to their hearts.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre

'Devastating and out of touch' – indies react to Budget bombshell

Following the initial response condemning the Budget as 'the most damaging for independent retailers in recent memory' from the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), members have shared their stark reactions to the triple burden of doubled business rates, increased National Insurance, and higher minimum wage costs.

Multiple retailers have calculated specific impacts on their businesses, with costs ranging from £90,000 to £150,000 per year.

"This budget was horrendous for us as a company. Estimated costs to be around £110,000 - £120,000 per year," said Andrew Massey of Masseys DIY in Swadlincote, Derbyshire.

Keep ReadingShow less
Brocks at Rockwell Green store

Brocks at Rockwell Green store

Christie & Co

'Popular' Somerset store on the market as long-term owners retire


Brocks at Rockwell Green, a Premier-branded convenience store near Wellington, Somerset is on the market as owners Simon and Rachel Brock are now looking to retire - after running the store for nearly 25 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds announced as new co-owners of Wrexham Lager

Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd, the oldest lager brewery still existing in Britain that has been brewing in Wales since 1882, has announced Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds as new co-owners of the company alongside the Roberts family.

The acquisition was made by Red Dragon Ventures, a joint venture formed by The R.R. McReynolds Company, majority owner of Wrexham AFC, and the Allyn family of Skaneateles, New York. Red Dragon Ventures was created to drive growth in the Wrexham community and Wrexham AFC.

Keep ReadingShow less
Solar and wind power
iStock

Leading beverage brands join forces to accelerate renewable energy adoption

Ten global beverage companies have joined forces under a new industry-wide consortium, called REfresh Alliance, which is designed to help accelerate renewable energy adoption across the industry’s supply chain.

The new initiative invites additional companies from across the beverage industry to pool and scale their resources to remove barriers to renewable energy adoption in the supply chain, provide education on best market practices and support the industry’s transition to Net Zero.

Keep ReadingShow less