William Jackson Food Group acquires Mediterranean ingredient brand Belazu

William Jackson Food Group has announced its acquisition of premium Mediterranean ingredients brand Belazu.

The move follows the group's purchase of wholesaler Wellocks earlier this year and marks the next step of its plan to cement its position in the premium foodservice channel.

Norman Soutar, chief executive of William Jackson Food Group (second from right), said: "We are a sixth generation family business and delighted to be welcoming Belazu, a business we have admired for many years, to the family.

"We've been looking to enter the fast-growing premium segment of the foodservice channel and believe this acquisition, in addition to our purchase of Wellocks earlier in the year, has really exciting potential for the future. We're very much looking forward to working with the Belazu team and helping them become an even stronger and innovative multi-sector business."

Adam Wells, managing director of Belazu (second from left), added: "This is a really exciting development in our story; we're thrilled to be joining a food group with such heritage and a long-term view, and which shares our values. Crucially it's business as usual for our colleagues, customers and suppliers with the backing and experience of WJFG."

Belazu suppliesMediterranean olives, antipasti, grains, pastes and vinegars to establishments across the country.

The William Jackson Food Group also owns online organic grocery delivery business Abel & Cole, Wellocks, Jacksons bakery, The Food Doctor and MyFresh.

Belazu was founded as the Fresh Olive Company in 1991 by Adam Wells and George Bennell.

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