Gluten-free brand Dr. Schär moves to fresh bread with GDR acquisition

Gluten-free manufacturer Dr. Schär UK has acquired Glasgow based allergen-free, fresh bread manufacturer GDR Food Technology Ltd (GDR).

The acquisition will help the leading gluten-free brand Dr. Schär to strengthen their proposition by entering the UK fresh bread sector.

“We are delighted that Ronnie Stebbings and his exceptional team at GDR Food Technology Ltdhave chosen to join our business,” Bradley Grimshaw, managing director at Dr. Schär UK Ltd, commented.

“Dr.Schär not only stands for quality, but for developing products that are delicious and innovative. This move is set to significantly boost our presence in the UK and extend our expertise within the gluten-free bread category. We can now facilitate the launch of fresh bakery products to complement the current assortment and support us in our strategic objective of bakery leadership.”

Grimshaw added that deal will also enable them to further tap into the growing demand for products free-from allergens.

“This deal is the first of its kind for us. It presents an exciting opportunity to get into the fresh bread market and fuels our vision of being recognised by all customers and consumers as the No. 1 brand in gluten-free,” he said.

Dr. Schär, which has 16 sites in 11 countries, will have their first UK production plant following the acquisition.

GDR’s workforce will remain in place, including Ronnie Stebbings, who will retain his leadership role as Managing Director for GDR.

Stebbings said: “This is incredible news for us and we are tremendously excited to be part of the Dr. Schär group. The company has led the way in the gluten-free sector, delighting shoppers with their high quality, delicious, safe and guaranteed products for years, and we can’t wait to be a part of the future success journey of Dr. Schär UK.”