Barber’s Group, a UK cheese business, has recently acquired Somerdale International, a local dairy exporter. The undisclosed deal will not bring about any significant changes for Somerdale, as the two companies were already working together in an export capacity. Somerdale will continue operating from its headquarters in Somerset, retaining its UK and overseas staff and senior management team.
Barber’s, a family-owned producer based in Somerset, also owns Ford Farm Cheesemakers in Dorset. They are one of six manufacturers to produce West Country Farmhouse Cheddar, the only PDO-accredited cheddar. In the last reported financial results, Barber’s had a turnover of £115.4m ($147.1m) and an operating profit of £7.4m.
Somerdale, on the other hand, reported a turnover of £44.3m, an operating profit of £1.7m, and a profit for the financial year of £1.2m. Established in 1990, Somerdale exports 250 cheese brands to wholesale, distribution, retail, and foodservice customers, with 95% of sales coming from exports. They also collaborate with other UK producers like Joseph Heler Cheese, Cropwell Bishop, and Castle Dairies.
In 2021, Somerdale expanded its portfolio by acquiring the blended-cheese business of Abergavenny Fine Foods. Stephen Jones, co-founder and director of Somerdale, expressed his vision to grow British dairy exports globally and believes that the partnership with Barbers will provide the necessary investment and security to achieve this. He emphasized that the deal will not result in major changes for customers and suppliers.
Giles Barber, managing director of Barber’s, expressed delight in strengthening their partnership with Somerdale and looks forward to promoting British cheese and dairy products to a global customer base.
Barber’s Group has acquired Somerdale International, a dairy exporter, in a deal that will maintain the operations and staff of Somerdale while bolstering their ability to promote British cheese and dairy products globally. The two companies share common values and goals in the food and drink industry, ensuring a solid foundation for future growth and success.
