Beef jerky business rescued in pre-pack deal

A YORKSHIRE food manufacturer that produces the Biltong dried meat snack has been sold to a customer in a pre-pack deal that has saved 13 jobs.

Gareth Rusling and Chris White of The P&A Partnership were appointed joint administrators of the firm on February 18 and sold the business immediately on appointment to Mariani Foods Europe.

Bare Earth began in Ripon in 2003 manufacturing a variety of meat snacks, including beef jerky, before moving to its current premises in York last year.

Over the past decade the brand has grown into a £1.1m business, but ran into trouble this year when it lost two of its major retailers, resulting in a 50% drop in sales, after also investing in new premises.

Rusling said: “Bare Earth’s products are a familiar brand in the UK and are recognised for producing a quality, healthy alternative meat snack.

“This deal will enable the brand to grow again and, most importantly, everyone in the business has been able to keep their job.”