UK: Yeo Valley to acquire The Collective Dairy

Yeo Valley, a leading UK dairy firm, has announced plans to acquire New Zealand-based Epicurean Dairy and its brand The Collective to expand its premium yoghurt range.

Founded in 1976, Yeo Valley is an independently-owned dairy producer, operating across five sites in Somerset and Devon and employing over 1,700 people.

Commenting on the move, Yeo Valley chief executive Rob Sexton said: “The Collective brand is renowned for never compromising on the quality and market-leading taste of its products. Add this to the values of the business, encapsulated in its B-Corp accreditation and we see this as a perfect fit with Yeo Valley Production”.

“This agreement will ensure the Collective brand continues to deliver taste-led innovation and great value. Together, we have ambitious plans to drive the growth of delicious British dairy. It’s an exciting new chapter for us all”, he added.

The Collective UK CEO Sarah Smart said: “Yeo Valley Production has been integral to The Collective’s growth journey, and the alignment of our values around sustainability and quality makes this an ideal fit. This transition provides the perfect foundation for The Collective to continue driving innovation in the dairy sector”.

Founded by two entrepreneurial chefs in New Zealand, The Collective was first introduced to the UK market in 2011

 

Source: FoodBev / Thomson Snell & Passmore