Regal Foods, a UK-based confectionery and bakery company, has acquired local peer Love Handmade Cakes to expand and complement its portfolio of bakery brands. Love Handmade Cakes, established in 2004 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, produces a range of over 100 cakes, traybakes, individual cake bars, and muffins for foodservice wholesalers, coffee shops, and distributors. The acquisition is set to “boost and compliment Regal Foods’ portfolio of bakery brands”, according to the Yorkshire business.
The purchase of Love Handmade Cakes will provide opportunities for expansion, development, and growth in the foodservice area of the business and its new desserts division. Regal Foods sees this move as integral to offering customers a solid mix of quality bakery products for both foodservice and retail. Younis Chaudhry, CEO of Regal Foods, stated, “Long-term growth through acquisition is integral to the group and our family of brands, putting us in a position where we can offer our customers quality bakery products for both foodservice and retail.”
Speaking about the company’s M&A strategy, a spokesperson for Regal Foods told Just Food, “we will always welcome opportunities through acquisition that will strengthen our brand and services, but more importantly create a solid food offering for our customers.” Love Handmade Cakes will continue to operate as an independent business and will join companies including Regal Bakery, Yorkshire Baking Company, Just Desserts Yorkshire, and The Cake Emporium in Regal Foods’ portfolio.
Regal Foods, with a portfolio of around 380 products, distributes food and drink to over 3,000 retail outlets around the UK and exports to over 40 countries. For the year ending on 31 May 2023, Regal Foods reported a turnover of £31.8m ($40.4m), up from £23.3m the previous year. Operating profit reached £1.1m from £940,000 the year prior.
This strategic acquisition demonstrates Regal Foods’ commitment to growth and innovation in the food and beverage industry. By adding Love Handmade Cakes to their portfolio, they are positioning themselves to meet food and drink consumer trends and capitalize on food and beverage industry trends. The acquisition will further reinforce Regal Foods’ ability to develop and introduce a new range of products, including individually wrapped flapjacks, wrapped cake bars, muffins, and other “countertop” favorites. This expansion aligns with Regal Foods’ focus on servicing customers on all business levels. This acquisition further positions Regal Foods to offer a comprehensive and diverse selection of bakery products to its customers, catering to both foodservice and retail segments.