The Rowse Honey Company, one of Britain’s oldest honey manufacturers, has been bought by Wellness Foods, backed by private investment firms.

The price paid is understood to be between £70m and £75m.

The investors include Swiss-based private equity firm Lydian Capital.

The Rowse Honey Company, based in Oxfordshire, was founded in 1954. Products include Rowse Blossom Honey and customers include Asda and Waitrose.

The company also supplies maple syrup, dessert sauces and fruit curds.