Dairy company Yeo Valley Production Limited has reached an agreement to acquire Epicurean Dairy (UK) Limited and The Collective brand in the UK.
Yeo Valley produces yogurt, kefir, cheese, and butter, as well as ice cream and soup products. The Collective brand is home to a range of yogurt pouches and yogurt pots, with both dairy and non-dairy options available.
Yeo Valley stated that the acquisition would bring together the “broad manufacturing capabilities” of Yeo Valley Production and the “taste-led ranges” for which The Collective is known, enabling more opportunities for The Collective to create products.
Rob Sexton, CEO at Yeo Valley Production Limited, commented: “We are delighted to welcome The Collective to the Yeo Valley Production family. The Collective brand is renowned for never compromising on the quality and market-leading taste of its products. Add this to the values of the business, encapsulated in its B-Corp accreditation, and we see this as a perfect fit with Yeo Valley Production.
“This agreement will ensure The Collective brand continues to deliver taste-led innovation and great value. Together, we have ambitious plans to drive growth of delicious British dairy. It’s an exciting new chapter for us all.”
Sarah Smart, CEO at The Collective UK, commented: “Yeo Valley Production is a long-time partner of The Collective and has been an integral part of the brand’s growth journey and success over the years. The close alignment of the businesses’ values and visions to deliver natural, healthy, great tasting and sustainable food that is better for people and planet, makes Yeo Valley the perfect home for the next stage of The Collective’s growth.
“I would like to thank all who have been on the journey with us to date, including our loyal consumers, suppliers, customers, and especially our incredible team who have passionately been the dairy shaker uppers.
“I look forward to The Collective building on this success further and continuing to deliver more great tasting innovative dairy to British fridges.”