Avana Group
Food group principally involved in baking, especially own-label goods for supermarkets
1963 Avana Associated Bakeries changed its name to Avana Group
1964 Acquired R. F. Brookes, maker of meat pies[1]
Presumably included Avana Bakeries and Avana Meat Products; success in diversification and expansion.
Recognised for its innovative approach to the food industry.
1964 Subsidiary companies included[2]:
- Chapman and Dunn Ltd
- D. Jones, Dickinson and Co Ltd
- Ledbury Preserves (1928) Ltd
- Arthur Davies and Co Ltd
- Western Agencies Ltd
- Trevor Hammond Ltd
- Cambrian Box Co Ltd
1981 Acquired James Robertson and Sons, jam makers[3]
1983 The major contributor to group profits was R. F. Brookes, supplier to M&S; also owned Viota breakfast cereal and Unican Foods, maker of home brewing kits; acquired Lesme, maker of chocolate[4]
1987 Sold the wheat bisks and wheat flakes business to Weetabix; take-over offer by Ranks Hovis McDougall[5] which was eventually successful[6]