Gerald McDonald Group, a 108-year-old family-owned business supplying the food and drink industry since 1917, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Demos Ciclitira Ltd, a respected importer and packer of dried fruits, seeds, grains, and natural foods. This strategic acquisition brings together two long-standing businesses with shared values, strengthening ingredient solutions for customers across manufacturing, retail, and wholesale. The combined sourcing network now spans six continents, ensuring resilient, flexible supply and access to the very best produce from around the world.
Founded in 1926 and also based in Essex, Demos Ciclitira has been a trusted name in the sourcing and supply of quality dried ingredients for nearly 100 years, operating alongside George Harker and Co Ltd, which has been packing dried fruits and ingredients since 1826. With deep roots in the region and strong relationships across global growers, their business complements Gerald McDonald’s commitment to traceability, quality, and long-term partnerships.
For Gerald McDonald, whose heritage includes DIANA® curry powder blends for its customers, registered in 1918, this is another step in the company’s evolution — combining innovation with tradition to meet the changing needs of today’s food and drink industry.
Maxim McDonald (left), Managing Director of Gerald McDonald Group, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome the Demos team to Gerald McDonald. Both businesses share a proud heritage, a passion for food, and a dedication to customer service. This acquisition enables us to expand our complete offering – from liquid concentrates to dried fruits, grains and pulses – while upholding the highest standards in quality, accreditation, and food safety testing. It also allows us to bring more locally managed supply capabilities to our manufacturing and retail partners across the UK.”
Demos Ciclitira operates from their purpose-built facility in Braintree, Essex, which is accredited to BRCGS ‘AA’ standard and upholds rigorous product testing and safety protocols – principles that align closely with Gerald McDonald’s own operations in Basildon. Both businesses are committed to ensuring excellence across all stages of the supply chain, from sourcing to delivery. Their combined customer base includes leading manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and independent food producers who value quality, consistency, and provenance.
Rebecca King (right), Managing Director of Demos Ciclitira Ltd, added:
“We are proud of the legacy Demos has built over the decades, and joining the Gerald McDonald Group represents an exciting next chapter. We share aligned values – long-term relationships with growers, focus on quality, and strong regional presence – and together, we look forward to continuing to serve our customers with an even broader and more resilient range.”
David Ciclitira, Chairman of Demos Ciclitira Ltd, further commented:
“I am delighted to hand over the running of Demos Ciclitira to another highly respected family run business. Ironically our two families ran their businesses at the turn of the last century in the same street of the City of London. I look forward to watching subsequent generations build upon the legacy set out by my grandfather, father, uncle and brother.”
Both companies are committed to maintaining their respective brand identities while creating operational efficiencies that benefit customers. This ensures clients will continue to receive the high levels of quality, traceability, and personal service they value with access to an even broader range of ingredients, backed by robust accreditation and testing protocols.
About Gerald McDonald Group
Headquartered in Basildon, Gerald McDonald Group has been a leading supplier of juices, purees, essential oils, herbs, spices, and other ingredients to the food and drink industry for over 100 years. The business combines global sourcing with local service, supported by a dedicated team and industry-leading facilities.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Maxim McDonald
Gerald McDonald Group
01268 244900
maxim.mcdonald@geraldmcdonald.com
Demos Ciclitira staff with Gerald McDonald Group directors (back left to right: Financial Director Stephen Crawford, Sales Director Wayne Smith, Managing Director Maxim McDonald)