Winterbotham Darby: nine-year partnership to support success

Winterbotham Darby, previously known at The Compleat Food Group, is one of the UK’s most dynamic chilled food businesses with a leading position in continental foods and a fast-growing plant-based operation. Its brands include unearthed, Soli and SunSoaked.

A highly flexible business model has enabled a reputation for innovation and speed to market. The Winterbotham Darby supply chain is underpinned by a sustainable business approach that includes a commitment to high environmental, ethical and technical standards.

Financial support

In February 2011, Winterbotham Darby (known as The ComplEat Food Group) secured backing from LDC for a management buyout.

LDC completed a partial exit in December 2012, retaining a minority shareholding to continue to support the business.

In November 2020, LDC fully exited the business in a transaction which saw PAI Partners also acquire Addo Food Group, PAI Partners plans to bring the two businesses together under one platform. The completion of the transaction is subject to the customary regulatory approvals.

Paul Monk, Executive Chairman of the newly formed platform, commented: “By bringing Addo and Winterbotham Darby together, there is a genuine opportunity to create the best added value chilled foods company in the UK.”