Scottish manufacturer Maclean’s Highland Bakery has completed the purchase of allergen-safe snacking brand Angelic Free From.
The brand and IP was acquired for an undisclosed fee from founder Kirsty Dingwall, who is to remain working alongside the Maclean’s team for at least the next 12 months.
Established in 2012, Angelic Free From produces a range of cookies, oat squares and savoury biscuits that do not contain any of the top 14 allergens. The products have gained listings in Tesco, Ocado, and Amazon, and can also be found offered to guests checking in at DoubleTree Hotels as well as being exported to selected EMEA markets.
The company created the UK’s first Safe for Schools snacks range and also provides a free training programme to help educate primary school staff on how to recognise symptoms of allergic reactions and put in place allergy-safe processes.
Maclean’s has been co-manufacturing the Angelic Free From range for the past five years at a dedicated 5,000 sq ft allergen-free site in Forres, along the Moray coast from Inverness, which it set up in 2021 after purchasing £150k worth of equipment from a facility in Portsoy.
The 48-year-old family business also operates a 30,000 sq ft bakery on the outskirts of Forres, employing around 100 people making the likes of shortbread, oat cakes, cookies (including some plant-based options), and biscuits (both sweet and savoury). The branded lines are sold nationally and internationally, while the company also produces own-label lines for retailers.
Following its acquisition of Angelic, Maclean’s said it has a vision to preserve the brand’s core values and serve the allergy community, whilst aiming to ensure a seamless transition for its loyal customers.
“It’s an exciting step for our team to take over Angelic, and I look forward to maintaining its reputation for quality and product safety while exploring new opportunities to offer our customers,” commented managing director Lewis Maclean.
Dingwall said she was incredibly proud of what Angelic had built over the years, adding that she was delighted that Maclean’s bakery would be taking the business forward in its next stage of growth. “I’m confident Angelic will continue to grow and be a trusted brand in the free from market under Maclean’s leadership,” she added.
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