Paterson Arran acquired by Burton’s Biscuit Company

Burton’s Biscuit Co is to boost its presence in the foodservice market with the acquisition of shortbread and oatcakes supplier Paterson Arran.

The deal is the second acquisition by the business this year, with Burton’s acquiring premium biscuit manufacturer Thomas Fudge’s in February to extend its footprint into the artisan market.

Scottish business Paterson Arran employs around 200 people and produces shortbread, oatcakes, biscuits and cookies from the Royal Burgh Bakery in Livingston, West Lothian. It also operates the Old Mill in Lamlash on the Isle of Arran, which makes chutneys, mustards and preserves.

Its brands include Paterson’s shortbread in retail, and biscuit and chutney brands Brontë, Café Brontë and Arran Fine Foods in foodservice.

“Paterson Arran is a superb business with a first-rate product portfolio and baking expertise, which combines time-honoured methods with the very latest technology, to make outstanding products which are widely available in the foodservice sector,” said Burton’s CEO Nick Field.

He added that Paterson Arran’s strength in foodservice and portion packing would offer new trading opportunities for Burton’s existing product portfolio.

“We’ll be looking to enhance the company’s presence in this sector, building on what is undoubtedly a leading capability in this market.”

Field added the acquisition demonstrated that Burton’s owner, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, shared the company’s commitment to enhancing its baking capability and complementing its product range.

Retiring Paterson Arran chairman Alan Hardie stated he was honoured to have led the business for the past 25 years.

“I am equally as excited about what the future holds,” he added. “Paterson Arran and Burton’s have shared values of a commitment to baking excellence and to producing top-quality, great-tasting products. Everyone associated with them can be extremely proud.”