The Compleat Food Group has acquired The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co for an undisclosed sum in its bid to become the UK’s number one chilled prepared food company.
The supplier, which produces own label Yorkshire puddings for UK supermarkets as well as branded ones, has an annual turnover of £33m and is driving ‘consistent double-digit growth in the category’.
It was founded in 1992 and produces Yorkshire puddings, toad in the hole, and sponge puddings, with vegan and gluten-free options, from its site in Thorne, South Yorkshire. The business employs 226 people who, according to Compleat, are staying with the firm. Compleat told British Baker it plans to invest in the site and grow the brand while integrating it into its wider portfolio.
Bill Howson, managing director at The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co, said the acquisition marks “an exciting new chapter” for the company.
“We’ve built our business on quality, innovation, and a passion for great Yorkshire puddings, and Compleat is the perfect partner to help us in the next stage of our growth journey. We’re excited to work together and the group’s expertise, market reach, and shared commitment to exceptional products make them a great fit for our ambitions.”
Howson will support the transition and integration of the company into Compleat before stepping away from the business.
The move follows Compleat’s acquisition of party food specialist SK Chilled Foods and dips and deli fillings maker Zorba Foods, which have a combined turnover of more than £160m, last year. It also purchased Harvey & Brockless, a producer and distributor of speciality foods in 2024.
Nick Field, CEO at The Compleat Food Group, said The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co “perfectly aligns to our mission to create food to feel good”.“This partnership is about more than just great products, it’s about bringing together talented teams, shared values, and a culture of excellence to create something truly special. We are looking forward to the future and working with the Real Yorkshire Pudding Co as we continue to grow,” Field added.
This investment comes amidst a period of adjustment in Compleat’s portfolio as a result of “changing demand in a competitive trading environment” which has seen it cut around 60 jobs at its Crewe site and reduce headcount at its Tottle bakery in Nottingham.
The business employs around 5,000 people across 16 sites. Its latest accounts for the 53 weeks to 30 March 2024 had sales and profits soaring compared to FY23 as it continues on its journey to become ‘the UK’s leading chilled prepared food group’.
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