THE company behind a County Durham wine bottling plant has tied up a deal to become one of the largest suppliers of gift hampers in the UK.

Lanchester group, which includes Greencroft Bottling as well as wine, energy and property businesses, has bought Spicers of Hythe Ltd and its subsidiary One Up Golf Limited based in Kent for a seven figure sum.

Following the acquisition, both luxury hamper specialists Spicers of Hythe and ladies golf business, One Up Golf will both operate as part of Lanchester Gifts. Lanchester Gifts specialises in the design, development and packing of bespoke food and drink gifts for businesses, high street retailers and, through its website First4Hampers, consumers.

The acquisition of the £5m turnover Spicers of Hythe, which was established in 1926, forms part of a longer term strategy for the Lanchester group that will see combined turnover of the group of businesses increase towards £100million over the next 12 months. Both Lanchester Gifts and Spicers will continue to operate as individual entities resulting in a seamless, ongoing service to all customers.

Tony Cleary is managing director of the Lanchester group of companies. He said: “Spicers of Hythe has a long tradition of delivering exceptional range, quality and value of hampers making it a perfect fit for Lanchester Gifts. As a third generation family-owned business, managing director Ian Spicer has instilled many similar values and ethics as at Lanchester, which is also a family-owned business.

“The Spicers of Hythe team have done an excellent job of growing the business, which is renowned for supplying hampers of distinction and now is the right time to pass on the baton to the next stage in its evolutionary growth. We look forward to working with Ian and his team to provide our customers both new and old with exciting and innovative gift offerings.”

Spicers of Hythe has been providing luxury hampers and gifts since 1926 and is a leader in the food gifting market in the UK.

Lanchester Gifts specialise in the design development and packing of branded and bespoke hampers, picnic baskets and gift boxes for the food and drink retail sector, working with a number of high street retailers, ecommerce and third party websites Lanchester’s buying team travels worldwide ensuring not only are the most competitive prices achieved, but that quality is never compromised.

One Up Golf was established over 15 years ago and acquired by Spicers of Hythe in 2008. It provides high quality, stylish and practical clothes perfect for golfing and also suitable for walking, tennis or general leisurewear.

For more information on Lanchester Gifts, please visit www.lanchestergroup.com