Hull specialist food supplier Chaucer acquired by Japanese firm Nagatanien in £130m deal

Chaucer, the global producer of freeze-dried foods and specialist bread products, has been acquired by Nagatanien, a Japanese-based manufacturer and distributor of premixed and instant food, for £130m.

The deal will serve as a strategic growth platform for both companies, allowing each to benefit from their existing relationships and infrastructures.

As a result of the Nagatanien’s acquisition, the Hull-headquartered manufacturer will be able to further expand its global operating platform and take advantage of growth opportunities in its markets.

The current management team will be retained and CEO Andy Ducker will lead Chaucer along its current direction towards becoming a stronger global business with expanded routes to market.

Founded in 1953 and based in Tokyo, Nagatanien manufactures instant and freeze-dried Japanese food, and will use the partnership with Chaucer to enter new markets.

Andy Ducker, CEO of Chaucer, commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with Nagatanien. They are a longstanding business and the leading brand in the Japanese market for premixed, instant and freeze-dried food.

“From inception, Nagatanien’s corporate philosophy has been “Aji-Hitosuji” translating to ‘naturally excellent taste’, and this is perfectly aligned with our own attitude of producing healthy ingredients to meet the growing trend towards healthy eating and nutrition.

“The Group is excited by the cross-selling and growth opportunities that this partnership opens up to both parties and I look forward to working with the Nagatanien team.”