Bright Blue Food

THE OPPORTUNITY

BBF is the largest own label cake manufacturer in the UK with turnover of over £200 million. It trades from four sites in the UK and one in Poland and employs over 1,500 people. The business delivers ‘best in class’ operational performance across a broad range of production capabilities including mince pies, fruit tarts, swiss rolls, celebration cakes and chilled desserts.

THE IMPACT

The original investment in BBF by Endless happened in September 2015. The initial value creation plan included a significant capital investment in the manufacturing sites in both the UK and Poland, best-in-class operational enhancements and a focus on new product development. Following the delivery of the initial plan, our attention turned to bolt-on opportunities.

In February 2018, the business acquired the cakes and desserts facility of Greencore PLC which trades from a single, purpose-built manufacturing facility in Hull. The acquisition doubled the size of the business and provided additional production capacity as it develops new products and enters new markets.

The business then acquired Sargents Bakeries Limited in August 2021, providing additional scale in complimentary products and further enhancing the flexibility and innovation that can be offered to customers.