Six generations of family ownership at Alexander Taylor have come to end as the Scottish craft bakery has been sold to a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur.
Located in Strathaven, the business was put up for sale last year as husband-and-wife co-owners Barry and Claire Taylor looked to exit after almost 30 years and pursue artistic endeavours.
Carlos Huerta has now granted the couple their wish by completing a full acquisition of the firm, including its two aquamarine-coloured premises either side of Waterside Street. He is relocating from California to south Lanarkshire.
Alexander Taylor will continue to trade as normal and all 26 current staff members are to be retained, with the new owner saying he values their experience and role in the bakery’s success. “I want to ensure that any changes made will be to their benefit and continued growth,” Huerta told British Baker.
In contrast to the previous owners, Huerta is marking his entry into the baking industry, bringing over nine years of experience in sales and purchasing within the defence sector. “This has given me a strong foundation in operations, negotiation, and driving growth,” he noted.
However, the businessman is looking to preserve the heritage of the bakery founded in 1820. “Alexander Taylor is more than a bakery; it is a piece of living Scottish heritage,” he commented. “From the moment I came across this business, I felt a real connection to what it represents: genuine craft, community, and a story that has been carefully preserved across generations.”
Huerta’s plans for the brand include expanding digital ordering, strengthening catering, and wholesale channels, and increasing overall visibility. “I’m confident that over the coming year, you’ll see meaningful and exciting developments,” he added.
Despite never being employed in the industry, Mexican native Huerta has his own personal connection to baking. His grandfather on his biological father’s side was said to have played a significant role in the growth of Grupo Bimbo in Mexico, now the biggest bakery business in the world. “Although I never had the chance to meet him, I feel a strong sense of purpose in following a similar path – bringing that legacy into a country I admire and am excited to explore,” said Huerta.
Helping market the sale and then handle the transaction was Business Partnership, a national firm of business brokers and advisers specialising in the sale of independent firms.
Cameron Young, partner at Business Partnership, described Alexander Taylor as a genuinely special business with a story that resonated with buyers from across the world. He noted that Huerta stood out not just because of his commercial credentials, but because of his passion for Scotland and his respect for what the Taylors have created. “It was clear from early conversations that he wasn’t looking to reinvent Alexander Taylor, he was looking to steward it. That’s exactly what this business deserves,” added Young.
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