Springvale Foods acquires Hider’s wholesale operation
Suffolk-based wholesaler Springvale Foods has bought the speciality wholesale arm of independent food retail stalwart Hider Foods.
The deal will see Springvale offer Hider’s catalogue of brands to the trade, as well as taking on its existing customer base.
Springvale already delivers nationwide to some 2,500 independent retailers, including farm shops, garden centres, and convenience stores nationwide.
Hider will continue to run its dried fruit & nut import operation and produce the Butler’s Grove range – which includes preserves, chutneys and pâtés – that it acquired in 2018.
“The integration is very much a part of our three-year strategy and a significant step in enhancing our position as market leaders in the speciality food industry,” said Springvale managing director Darran Goody. “We’ve invested heavily in our team, IT and operations to support this increased capacity. The whole team are ready and it’s an exciting time for us.”
“Not only is it the right thing for the business but also the right time for Hider Foods; it creates an incredible opportunity to expand and grow their existing Hider brand into the Springvale customer base.”
Springvale has also recently acquired Mercia Foods and Moordale Foods’ third party wholesale division.
Goody added: “Whilst Hider Foods has faced some recent challenges, they have an extraordinary heritage that we want to protect, develop and grow Springvale Foods have a proven track record for successfully integrating businesses.”
Hull-based Hider had endured a tough couple of years, which included a major setback in implementing a new IT system that caused cashflow and fulfilment issues, as well as the impacts of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of Thursday 12th August, all existing Hider Foods customers will be automatically transferred to Springvale Foods. All transactions prior to this date still remain with Hider Foods.
Author
