Piper, has made a significant investment in Forthglade, the UK’s most established maker of natural pet food.
Forthglade has been making high quality, natural dog and cat food for over 40 years. Based in Devon, the business develops its own recipes using a combination of nutritionally balanced ingredients with added vitamins and minerals that contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
Forthglade produces its range from its own manufacturing facility and is one of the most affordable premium brands on the market. It was an early pioneer in providing grain-free products alongside its core range of natural foods. At least 95 per cent of Forthglade ingredients are sourced in the UK, many as locally as possible.
While consumers have become increasingly aware that their pets deserve to be fed as well as themselves, Forthglade’s philosophy has always been: ‘If you’re not prepared to eat it yourself, don’t feed it to your pets.’
Piper is investing £6m to support the growth of the business, the sixth investment from its £107m, fifth fund.
Gerard Lovell, joint managing director of Forthglade said: ‘Although we were approached by other potential investors, from the very first meeting Piper has demonstrated the value it will bring to the table and has already had a significant impact on the business. It was this, combined with the team’s undeniable passion for creating brand legends, that set Piper apart from its competitors.’
Libby Gibson said: ‘We have been interested in the pet food sector for some time, and approached Forthglade having seen how passionately customers and, most importantly, their pets responded to its products. We believe there is a significant market opportunity to develop Forthglade into a household name and become the leading natural pet food brand for happy and healthy pets.’
As part of the deal, food industry veteran Peter Farquhar, previously chairman of Dorset Cereals and Clipper Tea, has joined as chairman.
For more information, please contact:
Rory Gibbs, Investment Director
Email: rory@piper.co.uk
Phone: +44 (0)207 727 3842