HULL, ENGLAND — Food producer Cranswick announced its acquisition of UK-based Grove Pet Foods on Jan. 31. The acquisition marks the company’s entrance into the pet food market. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Grove Pet Foods produces dry dog food for several brands and for its own brands, including Vitalin and Alpha Feeds. The company operates out of a facility in Lincolnshire with about 100 employees. Grove Pet Foods’ Managing Director John Walgate will remain with the company.

“This acquisition represents a platform for future growth in the attractive UK pet food market and diversification into this complementary category for Cranswick,” said Adam Couch, chief executive officer of Cranswick. “The existing facility has capacity and a footprint for further expansion.”

Founded in the early 1970s, Cranswick produces high-quality fresh food, including pork, poultry and gourmet products. The company supplies fresh food products to major UK grocery stores as well as premium retailers.

“Grove Pet Foods has built a reputation for high quality products and service that is well aligned with Cranswick,” Couch said. “The combined business will benefit from vertical integration opportunities within the group and particularly our fresh poultry and pork businesses. We look forward to building on this and continuing to invest in the product range, facilities and the team over the years ahead.”

Read more about corporate strategy, financial performance, mergers and acquisitions on our Business page.