Plant-based frozen ready meals supplier, The Brook, has announced it is closing due to rising costs.
The business supplied produce to Budgens retailers as well as farm shops around the UK.
Founder Thea Brook announced the closure on social media, citing the rising cost of running a business, particularly over the past six months.
“Over the past 2.5 years (most of our existence and a business) we have battled hard through one economic crisis after another. Despite the circumstances, we have doubled revenue every year with a range of products that are adored by our customers and retailers.
“However, over the past six months the market has become more than ‘challenging’. We have seen many of our fresh ingredients double in price, our transport costs almost triple and our energy bills more than quadruple,” she added. “At the same time, investment is scarce and that which is available isn’t rushing to back consumer goods brands that require a cold supply chain.”
She explained that a potential acquisition was in process during the summer but fell through. “At the beginning of the summer we agreed to an acquisition and all looked promising. But, after weeks of waiting, the buyer let us down; pulling out at the last minute and leaving us with no choice but to close the business.”
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