Norwich-based Kettle Foods has acquired the remaining stake in Metcalfe’s Skinny Limited.
The company initially acquired a 26% stake in Metcalfe’s Skinny Ltd in January this year, but has now taken the remaining 74% to become full owners of the brand.
The UK popcorn market has grown by 45% over the last two years, and Kettle Foods believes it is set to grow further as consumers increasingly seek out lighter snacking options. It also said the acquisition would help it expand into a wider range of snacks and advance its health strategy.
Ashley Hicks, managing director of Kettle Foods, (pictured left) said, “We are delighted to acquire Metcalfe’s Skinny popcorn, which is an incredibly innovative premium brand and which has built such a strong foundation in the UK market.
'We now have the opportunity to extend the brand’s success story with further innovation and brand development, and as a result drive even stronger growth in this exciting category.”
Julian Metcalfe and Robert Jakobi, previous owners of Metcalfe's Skinny, (pictured centre & right) added, 'We are very excited about the opportunity for the Metcalfe's skinny popcorn brand to expand with the support and expertise of the Kettle Foods organisation.
'This is a unique opportunity to bring the best brains in snacking together under one roof to truly give Metcalfe's skinny the international opportunity it deserves. This is a positive step on many levels that we know will not only showcase the brand's potential but will benefit our customers in the long term too.'