Bidcorp UK, a leading foodservice provider, has announced the acquisition of Northern Bloc Ice Cream, a premium ice cream manufacturer. The deal, which includes the trade and assets of the company, will see Northern Bloc continue to operate under its own brand while becoming part of Bidcorp UK’s growing network of businesses.
Although the financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, Bidcorp UK confirmed that the acquisition strengthens its presence in both the retail and out-of-home markets. Northern Bloc Ice Cream is known for its high-quality offerings, including a range of vegan and low-sugar ice creams, as well as a special product line for dogs in partnership with the Dogs Trust. The company’s products are stocked in major retailers such as Waitrose, The Co-op, Ocado, and in outlets like Wagamama and The National Trust.
Dirk Mischendahl, Managing Director of Northern Bloc, expressed excitement about the acquisition, noting that joining the Bidcorp UK group will help expand the company’s mission, which started in 2014, to create innovative and ethically produced ice cream products. “We’re very excited to continue our journey and make ice cream the star of the plate,” he said.
Bidcorp UK’s Jim Gouldie, Supply Chain and Technical Services Director, welcomed the Northern Bloc team, praising their passion and commitment to producing exceptional products. “Their ethical ethos and reputation align perfectly with our own mission, and we look forward to supporting their brand growth,” he said.
Bidcorp UK is a subsidiary of Bidcorp Group, a global foodservice giant based in South Africa. The group operates across multiple continents and serves over 60,000 customers in the UK and Ireland alone. Bidcorp’s brands include Bidfood, Cimandis Foodservice, Caterfood, and Unity, along with its fresh produce lines like Campbell Brothers, Oliver Kay, Daily Fish Supplies, and Kingfisher.
For the second half of fiscal 2023, Bidcorp Group reported revenue of R113.8 billion (approximately $6.2 billion), marking a 24% year-on-year increase. In the UK, the company saw a 21.2% revenue growth, although its trading profit in the region declined by 15%.
The acquisition of Northern Bloc Ice Cream marks another strategic move by Bidcorp UK to diversify and expand its product offerings in the competitive foodservice market.
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