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Lincolnshire-based pet food manufacturer Fold Hill Foods has snapped up hedgehog-friendly Brambles Pet and Wildlife.
Brambles, based in Macclesfield, will now join Fold Hill Foods’ portfolio of brands, which include Ruffingtons, Pointer Pet Foods, Laughing Dog Food and Superior.
Brambles is a family-owned company, and the team have been involved in developing products for animal welfare since 2017. Its managing director Gail Tracey has a scientific background in Biological Sciences while sales director David Tracey has over 30 years in the pet food industry.
They have formulated foods that are nutritionally beneficial to wild animals and ensure that they do not contain any added sugar, colours, or artificial flavours. It also does not use other ingredients that are common in other commercial foods, such as mealworms, which are potentially dangerous to hedgehogs in particular.
Fold Hill Foods was launched on the Grant family farm by Ted Grant in 1979. Unsure that his farming business would remain viable given higher prices for the oil needed to help dry his crops, Ted bought a small oven and started producing dog food. The wheat grown in the fields were used in the biscuit and food mixers.
According to its most recent financial results for the year to December 31, 2023, Fold Hill Foods reported a turnover of £30.4 million. It had pre-tax profits of around £791,000.
Ben Mankertz, managing director of Fold Hill Foods, said: “Having worked with David and Gail over the past few years producing some of the range, we’ve been hugely impressed by their dedication and expertise with regards to ensuring hedgehogs only receive the right nutrition for their diets. Their knowledge has helped to grow Brambles to the number one brand in the sector today, so when the opportunity arose for us to acquire the business it was a perfect fit for us.”
He added that he was also pleased that David will remain in place supporting the brand for the foreseeable future.
“With our combined expertise and growth plans for the brand it is an exciting time for Brambles and Fold Hill,” Mankertz added.
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