Gluten-free firm Dr. Schär has acquired Glasgow-based, allergen-free fresh bread manufacturer GDR Food Technology for an undisclosed sum.
The deal will see Dr. Schär venture into the UK fresh bread market for the first time and “significantly” boost its presence in the UK. It also offers the 100-year-old firm its first UK production plant – it has 16 other sites in 11 countries producing a wide range of gluten-free products.
GDR’s workforce will remain in place, including Ronnie Stebbings who will retain his leadership role as managing director of the company.
“This move is set to significantly boost our presence in the UK and extend our expertise within the gluten-free bread category,” said Bradley Grimshaw, managing director at Dr. Schär UK. “We can now facilitate the launch of fresh bakery products to complement the current assortment and support us in our strategic objective of bakery leadership.”
He added that the deal was “the first of its kind” for Dr. Schär and presents an exciting opportunity for it to help attain the vision of “being recognised by all customers and consumers as the number one brand in gluten-free”.
“We know that more and more consumers are seeking products free-from allergens to meet their dietary and lifestyle needs. Our partnership with GDR will enable us to further tap into this growing demand,” Grimshaw said.
GDR Food Technology trades as Just: Gluten Free Bakery and produces baked goods including bread, rolls, teacakes and flatbreads from its site in Scotland.
Managing director Ronnie Stebbings said the business was “tremendously excited to be part of the Dr. Schär group”.
“The company has led the way in the gluten-free sector, delighting shoppers with their high quality, delicious, safe and guaranteed products for years, and we can’t wait to be a part of the future success journey of Dr. Schär UK,” he added.
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