Lonsdale’s Investment in Nutrisure

Anthony Brennan, Debt Providers

Private equity firm Lonsdale Capital Partners has acquired a stake in Nutrisure Limited (Nutrisure), a supplier of superfoods both in the UK and internationally.

In the fast growing and increasingly popular world of organic superfoods, which includes spirulina, coconut oil and chia seeds, Nutrisure has seen a significant increase in demand for its products.  This has helped it generate sales of GBP12.5million in the current financial year, and has also seen it included in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league table.

Lonsdale’s funds will help the company continue its strong growth to date, with investment in the Naturya and Supernutrients brands, and increased focus on sales and marketing. Development of new products will also be high on the priorities list, led by founder, Martin Kemp, who remains a substantial shareholder.

Alison Levett joins the company as CEO following a highly successful career managing a range of companies in the food and drinks sector.  She previously headed up Enotria Winecellars Limited, a private equity backed specialist wine distributor, and also UK divisions of Allied Domecq plc and Campbell Grocery Products Limited.

Lonsdale will use its experience in the mid-market to help Nutrisure through the next phase of its evolution, progressing from entrepreneur-led start up to an international food group. The company will build on its strong existing position in the sector by broadening its branded product offering, helping superfoods become a mainstream product category.

Ross Finegan, a Partner at Lonsdale, says: “Martin and his team have built a hugely impressive business in the very exciting and fast growing superfoods sector.  More and more people are moving away from consuming processed foods and looking to healthy, natural, organic alternatives.  Superfoods has become a category in its own right and is growing rapidly.  Bringing in a vastly experienced consumer CEO in Alison Levett will enable this business to continue its impressive growth.

Alison Levett, new CEO of Nutrisure Limited, says: “Nutrisure is a very impressive business which possesses a strong proposition in the health food market. Martin has created an excellent and forward-moving business, with the support of Lonsdale Capital Partners and Martin’s innovations in product development I feel that Nutrisure has a very exciting future.”

Nutrisure Limited is based in Bath, Somerset, and was founded by Martin Kemp in 2006.
Praesidian Capital Europe provided debt funding for the transaction.

“Nutrisure has built an excellent reputation in a highly growth-oriented market,” says Jason Drattell, Praesidian Founder. “We are excited about the opportunity to provide support for this investment and to work with them and Lonsdale going forward.”