Granarolo Expands UK Presence with Acquisition of West Horsley Dairy

Granarolo, a leading Italian dairy conglomerate, has completed the acquisition of West Horsley Dairy, a move aimed at expanding its presence in the United Kingdom. West Horsley Dairy, established in 1992 by Philip and Catherine Colton, distributes a variety of dairy products including milk, cream, cheese, and yoghurt, alongside breakfast items. The company employs 73 staff and operates a fleet of 43 refrigerated vehicles, serving approximately 500 customers in London and the south-east of England.

The acquisition is part of Granarolo's strategy to enhance its footprint in the UK market, specifically targeting the Horeca (hotels, restaurants, and catering) and food service sectors within London. In 2024, West Horsley Dairy reported a turnover of approximately £16 million, indicating a strong market position. Granarolo's UK operations are managed by Granarolo UK Ltd, which previously expanded through the acquisition of the Midland Food Group in February 2018.

According to Gianpiero Calzolari, chairman of Granarolo S.p.A., the acquisition is a key component of the company's growth policy abroad, aiming to significantly increase the volume of Italian dairy products in the UK. Anthony Bosco, CEO of Granarolo UK, mentioned plans to integrate West Horsley's portfolio with a wide range of Italian cheeses and specialties.

Philip and Catherine Colton expressed their satisfaction with the acquisition, highlighting Granarolo's commitment to product quality and the potential for expanding West Horsley's offerings to benefit their existing customer base.