The Compleat Food Group, a dynamic player in the food industry, has made a strategic move back into the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) arena by securing the UK-based dairy-free cheese business, Palace Culture.
The Compleat Food Group, an entity formed in 2021 as a result of the merger of UK portfolio companies Winterbotham Darby and Addo Food Group, is making a noteworthy addition to its plant-based offerings through the acquisition of Palace Culture. This comes as part of the company’s commitment to diversify and capture opportunities in the rapidly growing plant-based sector, particularly in the realm of dairy alternatives.
While Addo Food Group, known for its well-established pie brands like Pork Farms, Wall’s, and Bowyer’s, has already ventured into plant-based options, Winterbotham Darby has a foothold in the market with its Squeaky Bean vegan line, specializing in meat-free products.
Palace Culture, founded in 2018 by Mirko Parmigiani with a mission to create high-quality plant-based cheeses for individuals with dairy intolerances, is based in Bermondsey, London. The company’s organic cheese products, crafted from almonds and cashew nuts, have gained acclaim for their taste and quality. Palace Culture’s offerings are available in select premium independent stores, as well as at Whole Foods Market and online via Abel & Cole.
Yvonne Adam, Chief Marketing Officer at The Compleat Food Group, expressed excitement about the venture into the fast-growing but relatively unexplored market of plant-based cheese. She emphasized the consumer demand for delicious vegan cheese options and noted the company’s eagerness to leverage its expertise and scale to introduce consumers to Palace Culture’s unique range of tantalizing products. The group is also considering expanding its distribution channels, with announcements of additional listings anticipated in the near future. This strategic acquisition underscores The Compleat Food Group’s commitment to innovation and diversification within the plant-based food sector.
