Warburtons acquires Roberts Bakery’s Ilkeston site
The acquisition comes amid rising demand for alternative bakery formats beyond traditional wrapped bread.
UK – Warburtons, the UK’s leading bakery brand, has announced the acquisition of Roberts Bakery’s Ilkeston facility as part of a strategic move to boost its production capacity and strengthen its position in the specialty bread market.
The Ilkeston site, formerly owned by Roberts Bakery, comes as a timely addition to Warburtons’ manufacturing footprint, enabling the company to expand production of its popular thins, pitta breads, and other specialty bakery products.
The acquisition comes amid rising demand for alternative bakery formats beyond traditional wrapped bread.
Warburtons stated that the Ilkeston site will provide “further capacity to meet demand in a growing segment of the bakery market.”
The company has maintained a positive relationship with the Roberts family over the years and expressed well wishes for their future.
The Ilkeston facility, previously operated by Frank Roberts & Sons Ltd, was known for producing speciality breads.
The sale to Warburtons follows the recent transfer of Roberts Bakery’s central bread plant in Northwich and its biscuit site in Winsford to investment firm Boparan Private Office (BPO), a move that helped secure over 430 jobs.
Warburtons’ acquisition is expected to enhance its ability to innovate and respond to changing consumer preferences.
With the wrapped bread market in decline, the company is focusing on expanding its portfolio of occasion-based bakery products, which have seen increased popularity among health-conscious, convenience-driven shoppers.
The Ilkeston site will be integrated into Warburtons’ existing operations, allowing for streamlined logistics and improved production efficiency.
While the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, the deal underscores Warburtons’ commitment to investing in infrastructure that supports its evolving product strategy.
This expansion aligns with broader industry trends, in which bakery brands are diversifying their offerings to include flatbreads, sandwich alternatives, and artisanal products.
Warburtons’ move positions it to better compete in this dynamic segment while reinforcing its leadership in the UK bakery market.
Additionally, the move reinforces Warburtons’ commitment to innovation, local communities, and maintaining high production standards in a competitive market.
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