British stocks and sauces manufacturer acquired by European savoury ingredients supplier in partnership that will see opportunities for both to enter new territories.
Founded in 1995 by Nigel Crane, Essential Cuisine has established itself as a key player in the UK foodservice market, generating double digit YOY growth and sales of £14m in 2018. Solina UK Country Manager, Adam Jones, is set to lead the integration program, with the local shareholder team of Nigel Crane, Neil Corlett and Jamie McGregor remaining with the business over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition of ownership.
Adam Jones was keen to point out the reasons behind the acquisition, citing joint innovation agendas and plans for expansion into new territories.
He said: “Essential Cuisine is a great addition to our portfolio. We have long sought to complement our leading presence in B2B sectors by securing a strong foothold in the UK foodservice market. The acquisition of Essential Cuisine not only opens up this channel for Solina, but we also see great opportunity in the combination of our shared innovation, market and product philosophies.”
Nigel Crane added: “This company has been a labour of love for me and everybody involved in its success since 1995. As shareholders we realised that maintaining such growth on our own would become more and more difficult, so decided last autumn to find the right future partner for Essential Cuisine. As shareholders, we had been adamant from the off that we would only sell to a business willing to let it continue its incredible success story. In Adam, we have a more than worthy successor, someone with the vision and backing to take Essential Cuisine to the next level and open up new, untapped markets. I’m confident that the combined group will become stronger and a more attractive partner for our UK customers.”
