Henrietta Morrison (above) who founded Lily’s Kitchen 12 years ago. It has grown to become a £85m brand offering ‘natural’ food for dogs and cats across 6,000 stores in 30 countries
Leading UK pet food brand Lily’s Kitchen has been acquired by global pet nutrition company Nestlé Purina. The acquisition was from L Catterton and financial terms have not been disclosed.
The company will continue to operate out of its offices in London as a standalone entity led by Lily’s Kitchen’s CEO David Milner and the existing management team. Lily’s Kitchen’s employees, both junior and senior, who own a stake in the company, will also be able to share the success.
Established 12 years ago by Henrietta Morrison, Lily’s Kitchen grew to become an internationally-recognised £85m brand offering ‘natural’ food for dogs and cats across 6,000 stores in 30 countries. Last year the company was awarded The Royal Warrant from HRH The Prince of Wales.
Lily’s Kitchen has experienced rapid growth abroad and continued product innovation, and in the last year has seen a 30% increase in revenue. Nestlé Purina plans to build on this momentum by further increasing the brand awareness and supporting continued international expansion.
MORE NATURAL FOOD
Henrietta said: “I created Lily’s Kitchen in the belief our pets deserved better, more natural food that would make them healthier. I was inspired to do this by my own dog, Lily, who was ill and is happily now nearly 17 years old.
“I’m proud we have been able to bring the business this far and by working with Purina we will accelerate Lily’s Kitchen, becoming truly global so that pet owners worldwide can have access to really healthy, natural pet food.
“I have always believed passionately in growing the business by doing the right thing by our people, our consumers and the planet. We have created a brand that people and their pets really love. I’m so proud of what we have achieved and know the brand will be taken good care of in its next chapter and beyond.
David Milner added: “We are greatly humbled to have been acknowledged and backed by L Catterton and now Nestlé Purina. From the ingredients we use in our recipes, to the relationships we have built with our partners, retailers and consumers, our company remains committed to this award-winning formula for our loyal customers around the world. Our vision, purpose and values will always be at the heart of who we are and what we do.”
BRILLIANT AND UNIIQUE
Calum Macrae, regional director, northern region, Nestlé Purina said: “Lily’s Kitchen has done a brilliant and unique job of creating a wonderful brand with its ethical approach to business. We are very excited to help bring the brand to the next level and to continue to make a positive impact.”
And Michael Farello, managing partner of L Catterton Growth Fund, said: “We are proud to have partnered with Lily’s Kitchen over the last four and a half years to grow the business and provide more pets and pet parents access to natural and wholesome pet food of the highest quality. We are excited to watch the company continue on its exciting trajectory.”
