Italian dairy group Granarolo has acquired distributor West Horsley Dairy to “strengthen” its foothold in the UK.

Granarolo said in a statement that the acquisition is intended to improve its customer reach in the UK, primarily in London.

As part of Granarolo's 2026-2029 strategy to expand internationally, especially in the UK and Germany, chairman Gianpiero Calzolari said: "Consolidation in the UK is an important part of the group's growth policy abroad.

"The plan is to significantly increase the volume of Italian dairy products in the UK, focusing on the Horeca and foodservice markets in London, where West Horsley has consolidated its presence."

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

West Horsley Dairy distributes dairy products such as milk, cream, cheese and yogurt. It employs 73 staff and operates 43 refrigerated vehicles. It supplies around 500 customers, predominantly restaurants, pubs, and hotels in London and south-east England.

The company, which posted a turnover of about £16m ($21m) in 2024, was set up in 1992 by Philip and Catherine Colton, who said the deal will “maximise the value of West Horsley's offering”.

The Colton's said in the same statement: "We are confident that it [Granarolo] will maximise the value of West Horsley's offering by expanding it, to the satisfaction of the many customers who have placed their trust in us over the years."

In the UK, Granarolo supplies a range of so-called protected designation of origin (PDO) cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Gorgonzola and Pecorino, according to UK CEO Anthony Bosco.

The UK business unit was formed in 2013 as a joint venture between Granarolo and Italian foods specialist Fratelli Bosco. It expanded in 2018 with the purchase of Midland Food Group, a supplier of fresh, ambient, and frozen foods.

In May 2021, Granarolo assumed sole ownership of its UK joint venture.

Granarolo said it accounts for 12.8% of Italian dairy exports to the UK and 9.1% of Italy’s total dairy exports globally.

Overseas sales are projected to make up around 40% of its total in 2025.

In 2024, the group’s turnover increased to €1.72bn ($2bn) from €1.62bn in the prior 12 months. EBITDA edged up to €99.5m from €94m, while net income rose to €9.7m from €9.2m.

At the start of this year, Granarolo said it would invest £10m in the construction of a new building at its UK head office.