Bakkavor Group
Fresh prepared foods manufacturer producing ready meals, salads, and desserts.
PE-OWNED
Acquired by Ares Management2017-11-16
What Made It Great
Leading position in UK fresh prepared foods market with retailer partnerships
What PE Will Likely Do
Bakkavor Group will likely reduce the quality of ingredients in their ready meals, salads, and desserts to cut costs
The company will likely engage in shrinkflation, reducing the package sizes of their products while maintaining or increasing prices
Bakkavor Group will likely switch to lower-cost suppliers and manufacturing options, leading to changes in the supply chain
The company will likely alter the recipes of their products to further reduce costs, potentially impacting the taste and nutritional value
Expected Timeline
“0 to 6 months months”
Minimal visible changes as Ares Management completes the ownership transition
“6 to 12 months months”
Behind-the-scenes changes begin, such as ingredient substitutions and supplier switches
“12 to 18 months months”
Consumers start noticing quality differences in Bakkavor Group's ready meals, salads, and desserts, like smaller portions, less fresh ingredients, and changes in taste
“18 to 36 months months”
Bakkavor Group's brand reputation begins to suffer as customer complaints increase, and the company may lose significant market share
Similar Cases
Other companies that followed a similar path after PE acquisition
What You Can Do
Actions
Be on the lookout for changes in the quality, taste, and portion sizes of Bakkavor Group's ready meals, salads, and desserts
Compare the current products to past versions and consider switching to alternative brands if you notice significant quality degradation
Voice your concerns and complaints to Bakkavor Group and their retail partners to hold the company accountable for any reductions in product quality
Alternatives
Look for family-owned or employee-owned businesses