Funding deal sealed for canning provider

Advisory firm FRP Advisory has supported a funding boost for Hereford Contract Canning – the second largest contract canning provider in the UK, which was recently acquired by private equity firm Rutland Partners.

The deal, which includes a unitranche and committed capex facility including an accordion option from Shawbrook Bank, will support the launch of a production line, as well as enabling the business to capitalise on market demand for flavoured drinks, ready-to-drink options and a shift away from single-use plastics by investing in its existing capacity.

Hereford Contract Canning was founded in 2010 and provides canning services for a range of cider and soft drink brands including Corinthian Brands, Kopparberg, Dash and a range of other high profile drink brand manufacturers

Tom Cox, debt advisory partner at FRP Advisory, said: “Hereford Contract Canning is a quality business and as demand for recyclable, bespoke and cost-efficient products increases it is well-placed to make the most of this trend. Within the market there is also a demand and supply imbalance for the delivery of small-to-medium size batch runs in the UK canning market, which with further investment Hereford can meet.

“It has been great working alongside the teams at Rutland Partners and Shawbrook Bank to develop a financial package that will allow the business to put growth plans into motion, and we wish the team the best of luck for the next stage of their growth journey.”