140-year-old biscuit maker bought by Cornish bakeries group
Biscuit maker Furniss of Cornwall has been bought by Prima Bakeries Group for an undisclosed sum.
Furniss Of Cornwall was started by John Cooper Furniss in 1886 and is best known for being the only company in the world licensed to make The Original Cornish Fairing. It operates from Redruth and employs 30 full-time staff.
Prima, which became an employee-owned business earlier this year, already includes Redruth-based Prima Bakeries and St Columb-based Cornish Premier Pasties.
Mark Norton, managing director of Prima Bakeries Group, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for us, as we bring another iconic Cornish food brand under our wing.
“There is a lot of synergy between the businesses, as well as complementary product ranges, so our responsibility is to now build on the brilliant work that the previous owners and directors have done, to further grow the business.
“Looking forward, we will be investing in the production facilities on-site in Redruth, to support Furniss to reach its full potential.”
The acquisition comes as Prima Bakeries Group announces record years for both Cornish Premier Pasties and Prima Bakeries, with annual sales growing by £2m to reach £15m.
As well as the purchase of Furniss of Cornwall, the Group will be opening a new 20,000 sq ft production facility in St Columb later in the year, doubling production capacity for their award-winning pasties.
