Aspin to the rescue

South Shields firm JW Rae Bakers has been rescued from liquidation by Sunderland-based Monument Foods. Aspin Bakery, a division of Monument, has acquired the business, saving 16 jobs. Following the acquisition Aspin Bakery will move into new premises in South Shields and plans to expand its product range to include cakes and pies, in addition to its existing portfolio of breads.

Bagel boost

Maple Leaf Bakery UK has invested in its New York Bakery Co bagels, with the launch of the biggest on-pack promotion in the brand’s history. There will be a New York weekend break give-away, which will run on packs of its plain and cinnamon & raisin bagel varieties from the beginning of November for eight weeks, with 250 prize trips up for offer. A major TV advertising campaign will run alongside the launch, with a 30-second commercial on ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

Vegware investment

Eco packaging company Vegware has struck an investment deal with Bradenham Partners, which will now hold a 20% stake in Vegware, enabling it to fund growth and further product development, said Vegware founder Joe Frankel. Vegware produces items such as sandwich wedges and coffee cups.

Joined-up thinking

Werner & Pfleiderer has sealed a joint venture deal with Rinc Europe, combining the firms’ knowledge of bakery technology with laminating and dough processing technology. Under the new name of WP Laminating, the firm hopes to develop unique laminating concepts and production solutions for bread, confectionery and pastry products.