BRITAIN’S biggest maker of natural yoghurt nearly doubled its profits to £6.6m last year after buying the farm that produces most of its ingredients.
Yeo Valley’s sales increased 3.3% to £284.2m in the 12 months to May after consumers lapped up more of its organic yoghurts. But the Somerset company’s decision to buy Coombe Farm Fruits put a rocket under its pre-tax profits, which jumped 92% in the year. Coombe Farm makes fruit conserves used in many of Yeo Valley’s products, including its yoghurts and compotes.
Since launching in 1992, Yeo Valley has grown from small regional brand into a household name. It owns 1,500 acres of farmland and churns out more than 2,000 tons of organic produce each week. The business is owned by the Mead family — including 77-year-old Mary and her son Tim, 52, who is chief executive. Yoghurt consumption has risen for decades as consumers become more health conscious.