Led by Solina UK country manager, Adam Jones, Essential Cuisine’s local shareholder team (founder Nigel Crane, Neil Corlett and Jamie McGregor) will only remain with the business for “the next few months to ensure a smooth transition of ownership.”
It has, however, reassured customers that Essential Cuisine will “retain its current full product portfolio and customer base across both foodservice and manufacturing channels.”
Citing ‘joint innovation agendas’ as reason for the acquisition (Solina produces savoury ingredients across Europe), Jones added: “Essential Cuisine is a great addition to (Solina’s) portfolio.
“We have long sought to complement our leading presence in B2B sectors by securing a strong foothold in the UK foodservice market. The acquisition of Essential Cuisine not only opens up this channel for Solina, but we also see great opportunity in the combination of our shared innovation, market and product philosophies.”
Essential Cuisine founder, Nigel Crane – who will be stepping down this summer - commented: “This company has been a labour of love for me and for everybody involved in its success since 1995.
“As shareholders, we realised that maintaining such growth on our own would become more and more difficult, so last autumn decided to find the right future partner for Essential Cuisine.
“We were adamant from the off that we would only sell to a business willing to let Essential Cuisine continue its incredible success story.
“In Adam, we have a more than worthy successor - someone with the vision and backing to take Essential Cuisine to the next level and open up new, untapped markets.
“I’m confident that the combined group will become stronger and a more attractive partner for our UK customers.”