Biscuit International acquires Northumbrian Fine Foods in UK

European private label biscuit maker Biscuit International has announced the acquisition of Northumbrian Fine Foods (NFF), the UK-based manufacturer of gluten-free and milk-free sweet biscuits, from CriSeren Foods.

Financial details of the deal have not been divulged by the companies.

The acquisition is reportedly in line with Biscuit International’s strategy to further expand its products offering and geographical presence.

Biscuit International CEO Giampaolo Schiratti said: “The European free-from market is very dynamic and represents a real opportunity for growth. NFF’s expertise in gluten and milk-free biscuit production was a major attraction to us and the business provides an excellent fit into our portfolio of companies.

“We aim to further develop the business through innovation and creating exciting new products for the UK and European markets, and we anticipate this acquisition will lead our group to become Europe’s largest producer of gluten and milk-free sweet private label biscuits and strengthening the partnership with our customers, whether they are retailers or industrials.”

Set up in 1936, NFF is the UK’s leading gluten and milk-free sweet biscuit manufacturer, with an annual turnover of more than £27m in 2017. Besides supplying supermarket own-label biscuits, NFF owns the Prewett’s brand.

Biscuit International expects to leverage NFF’s product range and production capabilities, as well as its management team to increase growth opportunities in the free-form biscuit sector.

NFF managing director Stewart McLelland said: “This acquisition by Biscuit International is great news for NFF and provides the platform for us to expand into Europe where we see significant opportunities for developing the gluten-free biscuit sector.

“Biscuit International is a forward-thinking business and their plans for NFF will further enhance our position as the UK’s number one gluten and milk-free biscuit manufacturer.”

Biscuit International owns Poult in France, Banketgroep in the Netherlands and A&W in Germany.