As the UK’s No.1 gluten-free brand, Dr. Schär has been improving the daily lives of people with specific dietary needs for years, with 2022 marking 100 years since this vision began.

Now, the company has released further plans to strengthen its proposition by entering the UK fresh bread sector with the acquisition of GDR Food Technology Ltd. The acquisition represents Dr. Schär’s first UK production plant.

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

“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.

“We know that more and more consumers are seeking products free-from allergens to meet their dietary and lifestyle needs. Our partnership with GDR will enable us to further tap into this growing demand.

“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.

“We look forward to working with Ronnie and the team to elevate our brand and enhance our presence in the UK.”

Dr. Schär has 16 sites in 11 countries, offering a wide and diversified range of gluten free products and food for special medical purposes, which have the ability to satisfy different tastes and dietary needs. The business is a pioneer in gluten-free, with decades of experience in taking care of customers with special dietary needs.

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

Ronnie Stebbings, managing director of GDR Food Technology Ltd, added: “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.”

Dr. Schär UK will acquire 100% of the shares of GDR Food Technology Ltd.

Dow Schofield Watts provided corporate finance and tax advice to Dr Schär UK, with the team consisting of Tom Faichnie, Melanie Clark, Philip Price, Tom Dutton and Dave Waddington.

Matt Noon, Elan Iorwerth and Ben Correia de Sousa of Hill Dickinson provided legal advice to Dr Schär.