Manchester-based frozen children鈥檚 food firm Kiddyum has sold a 40 per cent stake to Albert Bartlett, leading grower and packer of potatoes.
The undisclosed investment will support Kiddyum鈥檚 growth plans by funding the development of new products and accelerating its retail, service sector and export business.
Albert Bartlett portfolio, managing director, Richard Quinn, will support strategy and help guide the business鈥 next stage of growth alongside Kiddyum founder and managing director, Jayne Hynes.
Kiddyum launched in Sainsbury鈥檚 nationwide in 2015 after winning a StartUp Britain competition, and has since secured listings in Co-op Food and Ocado.
The healthy frozen mini meals are aimed at children aged one to four. All are ethically packaged and contain no added sugar and are low in salt.
Jayne Hynes said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e at an important stage in the company鈥檚 development so it鈥檚 great to get the backing of such a large, successful business 鈥 especially one that鈥檚 so well aligned with all of our values.
鈥淲ith the breadth of the team鈥檚 experience we can further the development of the Kiddyum brand and bring the meals to even more parents looking for a genuinely healthy alternative to home cooking.鈥
Richard Quinn added: 鈥淎t Albert Bartlett, we鈥檙e passionate about driving a healthier future for children鈥檚 food, and we believe frozen plays a big part in this: Kiddyum has been quietly spearheading a revolution in the category and we鈥檙e excited to help drive the business to the next level and extend coverage.
鈥淲e鈥檙e a fantastic fit, as quality ingredients and a passion for helping children eat well are at the heart of both businesses鈥 DNA.
鈥淲e鈥檝e come on board at a really exciting time in Kiddyum鈥檚 growth, and will work together to capitalise on increased consumer demand for healthy frozen foods.鈥
The investment follows the launch of two new products at Sainsbury鈥檚 鈥 Veggie Lentil Dahl & Rice and Pasta Bolognese which retail at 拢2.
With these new additions, Kiddyum鈥檚 range now includes six Stage three ready meals, which are made with British meat and dairy and MSC-certified fish.
According to Kantar Worldpanel, value sales in the frozen category climbed 3.4 per cent to 拢6.3bn in 2018.
