Hain Celestial makes sweet deal with takeover of Clarks

Natural and organic food maker Hain Celestial Group is expanding its presence in the UK market through the acquisition of natural sweetener producer Clarks.

Clarks is widely known for producing maple syrup but the company also offers other natural sweetener products such as a range of date, carob and agave syrups and dessert sauces.

Last year the Welsh company achieved total net sales of about GBP£7mn. The financial terms of the takeover were not disclosed. 

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Hain Celestial already owns several UK brands including Ella’s Kitchen, Linda McCartney Foods and it also acquired Yorkshire Provender soups earlier this year.

Through the move, Hain Celestial hope to grow the natural sweeteners category in the UK and the US-based firm is also eyeing expansion in continental Europe.

"We welcome Bob Clark and his team to the Hain Celestial family and look forward to working with Clarks in expanding the brand's development in the United Kingdom and continental Europe," said Irwin D. Simon, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hain Celestial.

"The Clarks brand and products are a strategic fit with the Hain Daniels spreads business for various natural sweeteners applications to complement our health and wellness portfolio of brands as consumers continue to seek to reduce their sugar intake and look for better-for-you alternatives to refined sugar."

Clarks founded and managing director Bob Clark said that Hain Celestial would provide the company with the necessary investment for further growth.

“This is a significant milestone for Clarks Natural Sweeteners and will deliver extra investment to help drive and expand the brand,” he said.

“We’re very much looking forward to working with the Hain Daniels team to continue our growth in new and existing customers.”

Hain Daniels, a UK subsidiary of the US-based Hain Celestial, sells a range of branded spread products such as Hartley’s jam, Gale’s honey and Sun Pat peanut butter spread.