AG Barr buys Rio Tropical for £12.3 million
Premier Foods buys FUEL10K for £34 million
In October 2023, Irn Bru maker AG Barr bought Rio Tropical from Hall & Woodhouse Ltd, a manufacturer and wholesaler of beer and soft drinks.
The acquisition hands AG Barr complete control of the Rio brand, which it has marketed, sold, and distributed on an exclusive licence since 2021.
Other brands in the Scottish drinks manufacturer's portfolio include Boost Energy and Rubicon drinks.
In November 2023, confectionary giant Mars acquired the AIM-listed chocolate manufacturer and retailer, Hotel Chocolat for £534 million.
Hotel Chocolat has 133 UK stores , as well as cafés, restaurants, and a luxury eco-hotel on its cacao farm in Saint Lucia.
It has previously had a unique approach to fundraising; in 2010, it launched a 'chocolate bond' that gave returns to investors in the form of chocolate or gift cards. The scheme raised £4.2 million and was repeated in subsequent years.
In October 2023, Premier Foods breakfast brand FUEL10K, a B-Corp, which sells protein-enriched granola, drinks, and microwavable muffin pots.
Premier described FUEL10K as an "on-trend proposition attracting a predominantly young consumer demographic." It expands Premier's breakfast offering following the launch of Ambrosia porridge pots.
It plans to grow FUEL10K using the same growth model applied to The Spice Tailor, which it acquired in 2022.
Mars buys Hotel Chocolat Group for £534 million
