Samworth Brothers becomes majority owner of Higgidy

Samworth Brothers, the owner of the Ginsters pasty brand, has increased its stake in fresh food manufacturer Higgidy to become the majority shareholder.

The company acquired a minority stake in Higgidy back in June 2019, with the option of increasing its share in the business at a future date.

Founded in 2003, Higgidy produces a range of pies, quiches, tortillas and sausage rolls, with a particular focus on vegetarian lines. Last year, the UK company launched its first vegan quiche.  

Samworth Brothers CEO, Flor Healy, said: “Over the past 17 years the Higgidy team have created a much-loved and successful premium consumer brand.  Samworth Brothers is delighted to be part of the next chapter in Higgidy’s development. 

“The brand fits well with our own strategic priorities in terms of owning distinctive brands, strength in savoury pasty and food-to-go and the further development of our plant-based business.”

Following the transaction, Higgidy will join Samworth Brothers-owned brands such as Ginsters, Soreen malt loaf, Walker & Son and Dickinson & Morris.

Higgidy CEO Mark Campbell added: “We love making glorious everyday food and our long-term ambition for Higgidy is to build an enduring British food business that we can all be proud of in the decades to come.

“We entered into the partnership with Samworth Brothers because of shared vision and values and the last 18 months have proven the wisdom of that decision, with the Higgidy brand seeing over 30% growth.”

While receiving support form Samworth Brothers, Higgidy will continue to drive its brand from its expanding manufacturing base in Shore-by-Sea, West Sussex, which employs over 300 people. Following the deal, Higgidy will remain a separate business with a separate leadership team.