Baking ingredients manufacturer Zeelandia UK has reached an agreement with fillings specialist John Morley to acquire its assets.

A part of Royal Zeelandia Group, Zeelandia UK will acquire John Morley’s assets such as fruit fillings, mincemeat and date paste.

Zeelandia UK managing director David Amos said: “We are very excited to welcome the John Morley range into Zeelandia UK. The business has a long-standing tradition for quality products and considerable expertise in meeting the needs of industrial bakeries and foodservice customers.

“It also has a culture wher people are highly valued and, as a family company with a heritage dating back to 1900, we share many of the same values.”

The acquisition of John Morley assets is said to be in line with Zeelandia’s growth strategy in the UK.

The deal will help Zeelandia to enhance its offerings to its customer in the industrial, craft, wholesale, and in-store bakery sectors across the country.

It is also expected to strengthen the company’s position in the European market for bakery ingredients.

The companies have not disclosed the financial details of the deal.

Upon completion of the deal, John Morley will continue its production activities at its site in Congleton, Cheshire, and the range will be part of Zeelandia’s Flemings division.

The acquisition comes after Zeelandia UK invested in a purpose-built technical centre, factory and warehouse in Colchester, Essex, which was inaugurated last year.

In 2017, Zeelandia acquired James Fleming (Flemings) to enhance its bakery ingredients capabilities and its UK customer base. Flemings is engaged in the production of mincemeat, jams, jellies, and caramel.