Bramble Foods Group has made a significant move in the UK food sector by acquiring Whitakers Chocolates, a family-owned chocolatier from Yorkshire with a rich heritage dating back to 1889. The announcement, which reflects Bramble Foods’ commitment to expanding its product range and enhancing its legacy, highlights the merging of two family-run businesses that share a dedication to quality and tradition.

Whitakers Chocolates has established itself as a prominent name in British chocolate-making over the past 135 years, supplying a variety of luxurious confectionery for retail, private label, and food service markets. The strategic acquisition stems from a trusted relationship between the two companies, which has flourished for 17 years, during which Whitakers has served as a vital supplier to Bramble Foods.

Tony Foster, managing director of Bramble Foods, expressed enthusiasm about the integration of Whitakers into the Bramble family. “Whitakers is a well-run business with a long history of producing excellent products, this coupled with a broad customer base and dedicated team of employees attracted us to the business,” Foster said. He also noted that the partnership has been significant, stating, “As a family, Whitakers is our longest standing supplier having worked together for over 40 years.”

Established in 2008 by the Foster brothers and two business partners, Bramble Foods has rapidly grown to become one of the UK's leading food groups, producing a wide array of premium items ranging from confectionery to traditional cakes, as well as award-winning preserves and chutneys. The company's headquarters is located in Market Harborough, and it prides itself on supporting local employment and suppliers.

The acquisition of Whitakers adds considerable depth to Bramble Foods’ capabilities to provide high-quality products to its retail and food service partners across the nation. William Whitaker, managing director of Whitakers Chocolates, conveyed a sense of pride and optimism regarding the acquisition. “As a fourth-generation member of the Whitaker family, chocolate has been at the very heart of my life for as long as I can remember. I am delighted that Whitakers Chocolates have joined the Bramble Foods Group as it is a wonderful opportunity to share our knowledge and invest for the future together,” he remarked. He acknowledged the brand's extensive heritage, while also recognising the necessity for future growth, stating, “I recognise that now is the right time to pass on our cherished traditions to a company that can develop the business further.”

Despite the acquisition, it is expected to be “business as usual” for both companies, with Whitakers Chocolates’ management team, led by William Whitaker, remaining intact to uphold the artisanal practices that have characterised the brand for over a century.

This acquisition is described as one rooted in mutual respect, long-term collaboration, and shared values between the two family-run businesses. As they move forward, Bramble Foods and Whitakers Chocolates anticipate a future characterised by investment, innovation, and growth while continuing to deliver the highest standards of quality to customers, both in the UK and internationally.

Bramble Foods has been backed by LDC, a private equity investor that is part of Lloyds Banking Group, since 2022, and the partnership has provided support to Tony Foster and his management team in executing their organic and acquisitive growth strategies.