Market Harborough, Leicestershire – Bramble Foods Group, a leading supplier of branded ambient foods, has announced the acquisition of Whitakers Chocolates, Yorkshire’s renowned chocolatiers since 1889.
This strategic move strengthens the Bramble Foods’ portfolio, uniting two iconic family-owned brands with a shared commitment to quality and heritage.
Whitakers Chocolates has been at the heart of British chocolate-making for 135 years, crafting luxurious confectionery for retail, private label, and food service markets. The acquisition builds on a trusted working relationship spanning 17 years, during which Whitakers has been a key supplier to Bramble Foods Group.
Tony Foster, Managing Director of Bramble Foods, commented: “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.”
Founded in 2008 by brothers Nigel and Tony Foster, alongside Chris Neville and Ken Osborne, Bramble Foods has grown into one of the UK’s most respected food groups. From its Market Harborough headquarters, it produces a wide range of premium products, including its largest category confectionery, traditional cakes, award-winning preserves, and chutneys, while supporting local employment and suppliers.
The addition of Whitakers Chocolates to its portfolio enhances Bramble Foods’ capability to deliver exceptional products to retailers and food service partners nationwide.
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.”
It is very much “business as usual” for both companies. The Whitakers Chocolates management team, led by William Whitaker, will remain in place, preserving the proud artisanal traditions that have defined the brand for over a century.
This acquisition is built on mutual respect, long-term collaboration, and shared family values. Together, Bramble Foods and Whitakers Chocolates look forward to a future of investment, innovation, growth, and delivering the highest standards of quality to customers in the UK and overseas.
Bramble Foods was backed by LDC, the private equity investor which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, in 2022 and since then LDC has supported Tony and the wider management team as they deliver their organic and acquisitive growth strategy.
