The Compleat Food Group Expands with Acquisition of Julienne Bruno Brand

The Compleat Food Group has expanded its dairy-free offerings by acquiring the assets of the UK brand Julienne Bruno, which went into administration earlier in November. This move follows the appointment of Sam Birchall and Howard Smith from Interpath Advisory as joint administrators for Julienne Bruno on November 11.

Julienne Bruno, known for producing dairy-free spreads and cottage cheese, struggled to achieve profitability, leading to a search for potential buyers. Despite interest from several parties, a solvent outcome was not found, resulting in the company entering administration. The Compleat Food Group, formed in 2021 by PAI Partners, has now acquired certain assets of the brand, although 14 employees were made redundant.

A spokesperson for The Compleat Food Group stated that Harvey & Brockless, a subsidiary, acquired the assets and is committed to continuing the production of Julienne Bruno's plant-based products at their facility in Evesham, Worcestershire, with availability expected to resume in the new year.

Julienne Bruno was founded in 2020 and quickly gained a reputation for innovative, high-quality plant-based products. It was previously stocked in major retailers such as Tesco, Ocado, and Whole Foods Market, along with select foodservice outlets in London. The acquisition aligns with The Compleat Food Group's strategy to expand its product lines, following previous acquisitions of brands like Palace Culture and Harvey & Brockless.

The Compleat Food Group's expansion into the plant-based sector reflects a broader industry trend towards sustainable and alternative food sources, as consumer demand for such products continues to grow.