After securing the Meatless Farm brand, VFC Foods Ltd has agreed to acquire Clive’s Purely Plants, a plant based manufacturer of pies, quiches and nut roasts.
VFC stated that this move not only marks an expansion but also promises to increase the group’s annual sales by 30%.
Clive’s joins VFC Foods as the second brand acquisition in less than four months, following the purchase of Meatless Farm in June. The manufacturer, which produces plant based pies, savoury tarts, quiches and nut roasts, is stocked in retailers such as Waitrose, Ocado, Asda, and Abel & Cole, with a further ‘big five’ listing from December to be announced.
Under the leadership of managing director Esther Pearson, Clive’s has undergone growth within the grocery retail sector over the past two years. According to VFC, the brand’s commitment to producing high-quality artisanal products in small batches has resulted in acclaim and daily deliveries throughout the UK.
Pearson commented: “We are thrilled to have found a like-minded partner in VFC Foods to support us through this period of accelerated growth. We are committed to maintaining business as usual with all existing customers and ensuring that we uphold our high standards of customer service.”
Clive’s will operate as a subsidiary of VFC Foods with full support from its existing team and Pearson will continue to remain a shareholder at Clive’s.
VFC will acquire the Clive’s production facility
In addition to the brand, the acquisition will include the Clive’s Dartmouth production facility, marking VFC Foods’ first foray into primary manufacturing. With substantial production capacity, VFC Foods said it was “poised for significant growth in the plant-based food sector”, with a new trade-facing identity set to be unveiled in the near future.
Group CEO, Dave Sparrow, stated: “The acquisition of Clive’s, following the successful addition of Meatless Farm, positions VFC Foods as a formidable player in the market.
“With three strong brands experiencing substantial growth, we are well-positioned to further penetrate the retail and foodservice sectors in the UK and Europe.
“What excites us the most is the diverse range of products we can offer consumers, from enticing meat alternatives to wholesome and delicious vegetable-based options, making us one of the most diversified players in the category.
Sparrow concluded: “As a non-executive director, I have witnessed Clive’s impressive growth under Esther Pearson’s leadership, which made this acquisition particularly appealing. We look forward to working closely with Esther and her team to seamlessly integrate Clive’s into our expanding family of brands.”
