Last week Beechdean Group, the manufacturer of Beechdean, Loseley and other key ice cream brands, joined forces with Lovingtons ice cream by acquiring 50% of the business.
The reason for the joint venture is to rapidly expand the Lovington Brand in the West Country by building on the company’s excellent reputation for manufacturing the finest quality Dairy ice cream. Lovingtons started in 1997, has become one of the most recognised names in the West Country with a range of creamy, dairy ice creams and some memorable flavour combinations.
Beechdean Group was founded in 1989 by Andrew and Susie Howard and has grown to deliver over 150 million portions of ice cream per anum. Using a two factory base, both BRC AA accredited, the company produces a complete range of ice cream, sorbets and impulse products as well as a variety of supporting dessert products. The group recently bought Enjays Pancake business.
When interviewed about the merging of the two companies Andrew Howard, MD of the Beechdean Group said “We have known the Lovington brand for a long time and felt strongly that it was the right partner for us to grow our business in the key West Country market. Whilst the factory already has a BRC AA grading, we are looking to put substantial investment in both the manufacturing capabilities as well as the sales and marketing side of the business to capitalise on the excellent reputation the business has developed. This, coupled with the recent acquisition of a Pancake and Waffle business means as a group we have much more to offer our growing client base”
John Clement, MD of Lovingtons, said “ It’s like having your big brother turn up at just the right time. We have a great team down at Lovingtons and we have worked hard to build up a strong reputation with our key clients, Beechdean getting involved will now allow us to push on and really develop the brand and most importantly continue to improve our customer offer.
It will be business as usual for Lovingtons going forward; with the intention of making the company one of the leading brands in the West Country.