Food retailer, wholesaler and distributor A.F. Blakemore has acquired online wholesaler and retailer Vegan Store.
The acquisition adds a purely online division to Blakemore’s portfolio, which includes owning 280 SPAR stores and distributing to more than 950 in total across England and Wales.
Jerry Marwood, group commercial managing director at Blakemore, said: “The vegan or vegetarian lifestyle is predicted to be the choice of up to 25% of the British population by 2025. By acquiring Vegan Store we are adding a niche brand to our portfolio that we will be able to develop and grow in line with forecasted market growth.”
As part of the agreement, Vegan Store founder Lisa Ruskin will be joining A.F. Blakemore in a consultative role.
Marwood added: “The Blakemore group operates across multiple channels, and we are excited to see the benefits that new vegan food and drink will bring to our diverse set of menus and ranges.
