ella's kitchen big kids muffins

Ella’s Kitchen said it continued to perform well despite the pandemic

Ella’s Kitchen has said it continued to perform “well” despite the coronavirus disruption after posting a 4% sales increase last year.

The Hain Celestial-owned brand reported revenues for the year ended 2019, up to £73.4m from £70.6m the prior year. 

UK sales were up 3% during the year, with the brand increasing market share to 28.62%, while international growth – excluding US and Canada – rose 6%.

Operating profits rose 6.7% to £11.1m, driven by increased international and UK sales as it “outperformed” the UK babyfood market.

The coronavirus pandemic, and the associated uncertainty, were noted as one of the risks the company is facing going forward. However, Ella’s said it is confident it will continue to “perform well” despite the challenging market conditions. 

“The directors have a shared sense of passion and excitement for the future of Ella’s Kitchen, with both entry into new markets and innovative products on the horizon,” the company added.

“We are confident in our ability to exceed ever-changing consumer expectations – delivering heathier food they desire and being a business that operates with a purpose beyond profit alone.”

Serious change is on the horizon for Hain Daniels

Ella’s was bought by US giant Hain for £66m in May 2013, though the company has been struggling in recent years with speculation its UK division Hain Daniels might be coming up for sale. 

If a sale does happen, Ella’s – which is run independently from Hain Daniel’s remaining brands and is one of the few growing brands in the portfolio – is likely not to be included.