Private equity-backed Bramble Foods gobbles up chocolatier

William Whitaker

Market Harborough-based Bramble Foods Group has acquired Whitakers Chocolates of Yorkshire – a firm that was formed in 1889.

The deals builds on a working relationship spanning 17 years, during which Whitakers has been a supplier to Bramble Foods Group.

Tony Foster, managing director of Bramble Foods, said: “We are delighted to welcome Whitakers Chocolates to the Bramble Foods Group and look forward to working with William and his team to further develop the business. Whitakers is a well-run business with a long history of producing excellent products, this coupled with a broad customer base and dedicated team of employees attracted us to the business. As a family, Whitakers is our longest standing supplier having worked together for over 40 years.”

Bramble Foods was founded in 2008 by brothers Nigel and Tony Foster, alongside Chris Neville and Ken Osborne. From its Market Harborough headquarters, it produces its largest category confectionery, traditional cakes, award-winning preserves and chutneys.

William Whitaker, managing director of Whitakers Chocolates, said: “As a fourth-generation member of the Whitaker family, chocolate has been at the very heart of my life for as long as I can remember. I am delighted that Whitakers Chocolates have joined the Bramble Foods Group as it is a wonderful opportunity to share our knowledge and invest for the future together. Whilst I will always carry the immense pride and heritage we’ve built over 135 years, I recognise that now is the right time to pass on our cherished traditions to a company that can develop the business further.”

The Whitakers Chocolates management team, led by William Whitaker, will remain in place.

Bramble Foods was backed by private equity firm LDC in 2022.

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