Northern-Ireland based SHS Group has agreed a deal to purchase 3V Group, the owner of nut butter brand Meridian Foods and soft drink producer Rocks, for an undisclosed fee.
Meridian Foods is one of the UK’s leading nut butter producers and also creates several nut-based snack bars, while Rocks is one of the leading producers of organic squash drinks in the UK.
SHS already owns and operates several UK brands such as Shloer, Bottlegreen and WKD, and supplies a range of own label herbs and spices to retailers throughout the country.
The purchase of Rocks strengthens SHS’s presence in the UK’s soft drinks market, while the Meridian acquisition diversifies its business portfolio, as it represents the group’s first foray into the nut butter and healthy protein sector.
Rocks-Drinks
SHS Group CEO Elaine Birchall said: “The acquisition of Meridian & Rocks strengthens our owned-brand portfolio and manufacturing capability as we continue to invest in bringing high-quality brands to a wide range of channels and geographies.
“We are delighted to have acquired this dynamic business and look forward to working with the management team in driving growth in established and new markets.”
Russell Smart, Commercial Director, 3V Group added: “The team at 3V have worked incredibly hard to bring innovative and relevant product development to the market in response to changes in consumer demand over the last 12 years.
“The SHS Group, with its depth of expertise in FMCG brands, will help support our growth strategy and market reach in the UK and beyond.”
Source: FoodBev
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