Yet another plant-based brand is facing closure as Samworth Brothers reveals it’s in talks about potentially closing its Revolution Kitchen site in Melton Mowbray.
In addition to developing SKUs for Samworth’s Ginsters and Higgidy, Revolution Kitchen manufactures for supermarkets, for example Tesco’s Plant Chef and Wicked Kitchen, as well as supplying Quorn, This and Cauldron.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Leicestershire-based Samworth Brothers said: “We very much regret that we are consulting with colleagues regarding the potential closure of our Revolution Kitchen site in Pate Road, Melton Mowbray.
“No decisions have been made as yet. In the event of a closure, it is hoped there will be opportunities for a good number of individuals to redeploy to one of our many other sites in the Leicestershire area.”
In an announcement seen by The Grocer, Lee Sullivan, MD of the protein division, commented: “Unfortunately, the market in which Revolution Kitchen operates in is in decline and several other suppliers have already exited the market due to this.
Unfortunately, the market in which Revolution Kitchen operates in is in decline
“In addition, despite significant financial investment and the commitment and hard work of everyone, Revolution Kitchen has continued to make significant losses, and this is not sustainable for the group.
“We understand this announcement will be difficult for our colleagues at Revolution Kitchen.”
The announcement follows a bumpy year for the sector, with VFC Foods stepping in to save Meatless Farm from administration, Heather Mills-owned Vegan Solo and Duo Renovations having purchased Plant and Bean’s manufacturing site, and Nestlé axing its Garden Gourmet and Wunder brands in the UK.
The consultation is expected to take at least 45 days to complete and CEO Pete Speranza said he didn’t anticipate any disruption to its UK supply chain as an outcome of the potential closure.
Image: Samworth Brothers
