Natures Way Foods acquired by Taylor Farms for undisclosed sum

Natures Way Foods has been acquired by California-based Taylor Farms for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition of Natures Way Foods marks an “important extension” of Taylor Farms’ global footprint.

Taylor Farms is a family-run private company with revenues of $7.3bn and over 20,000 colleagues in several countries.

Its chairman and CEO Bruce Taylor said its mission to deliver fresh, healthy and delicious foods “extends beyond North America” which is why the business was “excited to partner with Natures Way Foods and expand our global footprint, continuing to provide nutritious, high-quality products around the world”. 

Natures Way Foods, which has revenues of £290m and 1,300 colleagues, is a leading supplier in bagged salads, potato salad and coleslaw, supplying retailers and out-of-home customers including Tesco, Aldi, Morrisons, McDonald’s, KFC and Pret a Manger.

The executive team will remain in place, led by CEO Colin Smith, with Stewart Gilliland stepping up to chair the board.

“To be joining forces with the globally respected producer Taylor Farms is testament to our team’s outstanding work,” said Smith. “Our commitment to delivering exceptional fresh food products for our valued customers remains at the centre of everything we do.”

He added that the new ownership would enable the business to “further invest, innovate and share best practice to continue to deliver for our customers”.

Founders Robert and David Langmead said that “the time has come to pass on the reins to ensure Natures Way Foods’ continued success”.

The UK company has seen sustained growth driven by a focus on putting “customers at the heart, passionate people and deliver quality, service and value”, it said.