Whitworths

Whitworths is the UK’s largest supplier of branded and own label dried fruit, nut and seed (‘DFNS’) products, with approximately 30% of market share.

It is positioned as clear ‘category captain’ for its key customers, which are primarily the leading UK supermarket chains. The business manages a complex supply base, purchasing some 400 commodities from suppliers in 35 countries. As well as DFNS, the business supplies beans, pulses, cereals and other healthy ingredients. The business has multiple brands, including Whitworths and Sunny Raisins.

Founded in 1886, Whitworths operates a factory in Northamptonshire.

THE EXIT

Equistone exited its investment in Whitworths through a sale to its JV partner Anatolia, a Turkish producer of dried fruit. The combination creates one of Europe’s largest producers of dried fruit and nuts.