The Compleat Food Group has broadened its dairy-free range by acquiring the Julienne Bruno brand, following the UK start-up’s entry into administration.
On November 11, joint administrators Sam Birchall and Howard Smith from Interpath Advisory were appointed to oversee Julienne Bruno, as noted in an official statement from the agency.
Interpath confirmed that The Compleat Food Group intervened to purchase “certain assets” of Julienne Bruno, although the transaction led to the redundancy of 14 employees.
This move adds Julienne Bruno to The Compleat Food Group’s growing dairy-free portfolio, which includes the Palace Culture brand acquired in 2023. The Compleat Food Group was established in 2021 when private equity firm PAI Partners merged Winterbotham Darby and Addo Food Group.
Last year, The Compleat Food Group also acquired Harvey & Brockless, a manufacturer known for cheeses, charcuterie, olives, and deli products. The purchasing subsidiary has also secured the Julienne Bruno brand.
In a statement, a representative for The Compleat Food Group commented, “Harvey & Brockless has acquired the assets of Julienne Bruno and is committed to ensuring the continuation of its much-loved plant-based products. We are currently relocating the production assets to our facility in Evesham, Worcestershire, with availability expected to resume in the new year.”
Interpath indicated that Julienne Bruno, established in 2020, faced challenges in achieving profitability. The company required additional investment to scale effectively. Despite generating interest during the sales process, a viable outcome could not be secured, necessitating the administration.
Located in Ruislip, just outside of London, Julienne Bruno specialized in dairy-free spreads and cottage cheese. The company, registered under director Axel Katalan Nasi in 2020, had stockists including Tesco in Ireland, Ocado, Whole Foods Market, The Co-op, Planet Organic, and Harrods, in addition to select foodservice outlets in London.
Tom Swiers, head of food and drink for Interpath, remarked, “Since its launch, Julienne Bruno had developed a great reputation for its innovative and high-quality plant-based products. We’re pleased to have achieved this sale, which will enable the brand to continue under new ownership and deliver to its customers.”
Meanwhile, The Compleat Food Group has been active in acquisitions, having added other assets to its portfolio recently. During the summer, it incorporated Freshpak, a private label food-to-go supplier, and earlier in the year, it acquired The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co.
Prior to its M&A activity, Addo Food encompassed brands like Pork Farms, Wall’s, and Bowyer’s pies, along with olives and antipasti via Winterbotham Darby, which includes the Squeaky Bean vegan line.
The developments underscore trends within the food and beverage industry, particularly around consumer demand for plant-based products. As the food and drink business evolves, understanding these shifts is essential for remaining competitive. Now, companies must focus on adaptability and innovation to meet changing food and drink consumer trends.
