Sweet deal leaves syrup boss with consultative role after sale
THE UK’s leading maple syrup and natural sweetener brand, Newport-based Clarks Natural Sweeteners is under American ownership following its acquisition.
The business, which was set up nearly a decade ago and employs 50, has been bought by Hain Daniel, the UK subsidiary of US food group Hain Celestial.
The value of the deal has not been disclosed, but will see its founder and managing director Bob Clark staying on in consultative role.
Clarks produces natural sweeteners under the Clarks brand, including maple syrup, honey and carob, date and agave syrups, It supplies many of the UK’s leading supermarket chains.
Last year it generated net sales of £7m and is expected to be accretive to Hain Celestial’s earnings in fiscal year 2019.
Mr Clark said “This is a significant milestone for Clarks Natural Sweeteners and will deliver extra investment to help drive and expand the brand.
“I will stay on with the business in a consultative role. We’re very much looking forward to working with the Hain Daniels team to continue our growth in new and existing customers.”
Hain Celestial – a leading organic and natural products company and owner of Ella’s Kitchen, Linda McCartney Foods and Gale’s Honey – has sites in the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Austria, France and Belgium.
Irwin D Simon, founder, president and chief executive Officer of Hain Celestial, said: “We welcome Bob Clark and his team to the Hain Celestial family and look forward to working with Clarks in expanding the brand’s development in the UK and continental Europe.
“The Clarks brand and products are a strategic fit with the Hain Daniels spreads business for various natural sweeteners applications to complement our health and wellness portfolio of brands as consumers continue to seek to reduce their sugar intake and look for better-for-you alternatives to refined sugar.”
James Skidmore, Hain Daniels chief operating officer, said. The strength of the Clarks brand puts it in a strong position to capitalize on the growing consumer trends towards more natural and healthier food
The business is based at the Queensway Meadow Industrial Estate.
In another deal one Bristol’s oldest timber companies is relocating to Newport.
Clarks Wood Company is moving across the border to pool resources with iths parent company Premier Forest Products, one of the UK’s leading timber importer and supplier.
The business, which was established in 1793 and has been based on Silverthorne Lane in Bristol for the last 25 years, was acquired by Premier Forest Products in 2013.
The relocation to Premier Forest Product’s head office and main operational hub in Newport will retain all members of staff at Clarks Wood.
Director of Premier Forest Group, Terry Edgell said: “This move will not only assist with Clarks Wood’s development plans, it will provide our customers with lower costs and more choice.
“The division will be significantly enhanced by its new location, providing it with direct access to onsite timber processing facilities, quay side importing and our nationwide logistics operation.