Burton’s Biscuit Co is to boost its presence in the premium biscuit market with the acquisition of Thomas Fudge’s.

Based in Stalbridge, Dorset, Thomas Fudge’s produces sweet products, including florentines and flapjacks, plus savoury lines such as wafers and flatbreads.

Burton’s CEO Nick Field said Thomas Fudge’s bakery would complement the production capability of Burton’s own bakeries as it extends into the premium and artisanal markets with branded, own-label and licensed lines.

“We are excited about the opportunity to develop these three important pillars and look forward to working with our retail partners to drive growth through innovation and excitement in the category,” he explained, adding that Burton’s would work with its trade partners to build new category value with this premium capability.

“Thomas Fudge’s is a great business with a fantastic portfolio of premium products and baking expertise handed down through generations.”

Burton’s has bought the business from private equity firm Livingbridge, which acquired it in 2016 from the descendants of founder Thomas J Fudge. Originally a bread bakery, Fudge’s switched its focus to luxury biscuits in the 1980s, and produces Marmite biscuits made under license from Unilever.

Emma Davies, CEO of Thomas Fudge’s, said the business was excited about becoming part of the Burton’s.