James Hall & Co acquires Ann Forshaw’s Alston Dairy

Fulwood-based James Hall & Co has acquired the farm-to-pot yoghurt specialist, Ann Forshaw’s Alston Dairy.

The two companies were already linked. James Hall & Co supplies produce for SPAR stores across the North of England, including the dairy's yoghurts.

The acquisition sees the group expand its portfolio of food manufacturing businesses in the North West to five, including Clayton Park Bakery, Fazila Foods, Graham Eyes Butchers and the Great Northern Sandwich Company.

Ann Forshaw and Emma Coupe will remain as directors of the dairy, which is based just outside of Longridge, and will run the company on a day-to-day basis. All staff will continue in employment at Alston Dairy.

Alston Dairy will continue to purchase its milk from the Bolton Fold Farm next door, which will remain under ownership of the Forshaw family.

Dominic Hall, joint managing director of James Hall & Co, said: "We have sold Ann Forshaw's products in our SPAR stores for many years, and they have played an important role in our dairy categories, becoming firm customer favourites.

"We continue to strive to source locally as much as we can and acquiring Alston Dairy will allow us to protect that ambition and keep the brand local.

“We are keen to grow the business further and see a huge amount of potential in the Ann Forshaw’s brand. We will grow the presence in more SPAR stores and continue to develop products in new categories, ensuring that greater numbers of customers can enjoy Ann Forshaw’s products.”

Ann Forshaw said: “Across several decades I have poured all of my energy and passion into growing the business, and with the support of a wonderful team, we have developed the brand and product range in to what it is today.

“However, I felt that the time was right for me to sell the business and I was keen to ensure that Alston Dairy and the Ann Forshaw’s brand was sold on to a company that has shared values and is similarly family-owned, so I am very pleased to complete the deal with James Hall.

"I am also very excited to remain as a director of the business, together with Emma, to bring to life the new ideas that we have for Ann Forshaw’s products, and I am very much looking forward to a future where even more SPAR customers can access our fantastic yoghurt range.”