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Blakemore says the acquisition will diversify the group’s portfolio of brands, while adding a purely online division to the business structure.
Group commercial managing director, Jerry Marwood, said: “The vegan or vegetarian lifestyle is predicted to be the choice of up to 25% of the British population by 2025. By acquiring Vegan Store we are adding a niche brand to our portfolio that we will be able to develop and grow in line with forecasted market growth.
“We now have access to some of the best vegan products in the world, such as Go Max Go candy bars and Vegg, but in addition we can continue to create innovative new product development through Vegan Store’s Golden Crunch brand.”
As part of the agreement, Vegan Store founder Lisa Ruskin will be joining AF Blakemore in a consultative role, continuing to support the Vegan Store proposition while bringing her knowledge and expertise of the other markets in which the company operates.
Marwood added: “The Blakemore group operates across multiple channels, and we are excited to see the benefits that new vegan food and drink will bring to our diverse set of menus and ranges.
“New vegan products will present our Spar stores, Philpotts stores and partners in retail, wholesale and foodservice with a fantastic opportunity to attract new customers, as well as to provide innovative alternatives for existing ones.”
Vegan Store stocks vegan food, drink, healthcare and beauty products from countries around the world, including the UK, Australia, America and the Far East.
