The Kitwave Group is set to remove its foodserfivce operations out of Unitas, while still keeping the retail and on-trade side within the buying group. This means MJ Baker, Millers and Westcountry will leave the group in October.
After a detailed review, both parties have mutually agreed it would be in both their interests for Kitwave’s foodservice business to move out, with Turner & Wright, HB Clark, Eden Farm, Automatic Retailing, Westone Wholesale, M&M Value and Squirrels staying within Unitas.
Ben Maxted, chief exectuive of Kitwave, said: “We have exciting growth plans for Kitwave and as the UK’s largest buying group, we see Unitas as a key strategic partner to support us on delivering these longer term growth plans. We have had a long and successful relationship with Unitas, and previously Today’s group, and we see this continuing.
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“We have ambitious plans for foodservice which will no doubt include further acquisitions, and after discussions we both agreed that now is the time for that part of our business to step out of Unitas. I would like to thank the Unitas team for helping to develop our foodservice operations over the years.”
John Kinney, managing director of Unitas, said: “Kitwave is a fantastic business with fantastic growth plans, and we look forward to working together even more closely with the team as they continue to expand and grow their retail and on trade businesses.”
