Fylde Fresh and Fabulous acquired by Chiltern Capital

Specialist potato and vegetable processor Fylde Fresh and Fabulous (FFF) has been acquired by Chiltern Capital, a UK private investment firm, to support its next phase of growth.

Based in Weeton near Blackpool, the firm supplies many of the UK’s best known food manufacturers.

The transaction, supported by lead adviser DSW, brings complementary agronomy, sustainable practice and processing expertise to Chiltern’s existing portfolio, which includes Burgess Farms, while building on the group’s broader seed-to-shelf offering.

Announcing the deal, advisers DSW said the strategic partnership will enable the group to strengthen its capabilities and better support customers and growers as it continues to focus on supplying high quality fresh produce in a sector that is key to UK national resilience.

With an additional site in Leeds, FFF supplies 1,000 tonnes of fresh prepared produce each week.

Simon Leaver, CEO at FFF, who has been with the business for more than 20 years, said: “This is an exciting moment for FFF and for everyone who has helped build it.

"My management team and I have chosen to invest in this next chapter ourselves because we believe in where the business is going. Our customers will see the same team, the same sites and the same commitment to quality and service.

"What changes is our ability to invest. With Chiltern's backing, and the opportunity to work with Burgess Farms as part of a broader fresh produce group, giving us real momentum for the next phase of growth.”

David Butler, partner at Chiltern Capital, said: “FFF is an outstanding business with an experienced management team, a strong reputation for quality and innovation, and long standing relationships with customers and growers. We see significant potential to build on those foundations and are delighted to be backing Simon and his team.

"Together with Burgess Farms, FFF brings complementary expertise and builds on our fresh produce group's seed-to-shelf offering. We see exciting opportunities to invest across the group, strengthen its capabilities and build a high-quality, resilient UK fresh produce supply chain.”

Gerard Lucas (pictured), Partner at DSW, said: “It has been a pleasure to advise the shareholders and team at FFF on this transaction. It’s a great business led by a truly exceptional management team that will continue its impressive growth with the support of Chiltern.”

FFF was advised on the transaction by DSW's north west team, led by Gerard Lucas, Callum Sellar and Jack Keoghan. Legal advice was provided by Napthens, led by Richard Robinson and Sharon Graves.