Montezuma’s Back on Track: Founders Return to Lead the Brand with Paramount’s Investment

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Montezuma’s, one of the UK’s largest independent premium chocolate manufacturers, is entering an exciting new chapter following a strategic investment from Paramount Retail Group. Founders Helen and Simon Pattinson have returned to lead the brand, focusing on profitability and staying true to Montezuma’s core values of authenticity, equality, and exceptional quality chocolate.

Founded over 22 years ago, Montezuma’s is renowned for its award-winning, ethically sourced chocolate, available at major stockists including Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, John Lewis, and Selfridges. With Paramount’s backing, the brand will enhance its market presence, develop innovative new products, and strengthen its retail partnerships.

The investment aligns with Paramount’s reputation for revitalising brands through innovation and operational expertise.

“Today marks a new phase in the sustainable growth of Montezuma’s Chocolates. With Paramount’s investment and expertise, we can develop our market position, increase our global customer base, and, as a result, help our valued suppliers expand their markets.”

Paul Taylor

Chairman, Paramount Retail Group

Helen and Simon Pattinson added:

“We’re delighted to be part of the Paramount family and feel that this is such an exciting time for the business. We can’t wait to see what the future holds and are looking forward to sharing more delicious chocolate with you.”

Helen and Simon Pattinson

Founders, Montezuma's

This partnership will expand Montezuma’s global reach, grow its supermarket distribution (recently including Asda and Co-op), and drive the production of high-quality, flavourful chocolate. Paramount’s investment also ensures Montezuma’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability, with all new packaging being 100% recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable.

Cocoa Comeback: Montezuma’s Back in Profit Under Paramount Retail Group

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Since its acquisition by Paramount Retail Group in May 2023, Montezuma’s has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming a benchmark for operational turnaround and strategic growth. Achieving over £10.8 million in annual sales by May 2024 and surpassing £1 million in EBITDA, Montezuma’s success highlights the impact of Paramount’s hands-on approach.

With a revitalised team, BRC A grade certification, and innovation-driven success, Montezuma’s has strengthened its market position while investing in digital growth and customer engagement. Popular products like Montezuma’s Buttons and signature bars remain customer favourites, driving robust financial performance.

Looking ahead, Montezuma’s is set for further growth, with plans for retail expansion, market diversification, global showcases, and sustainability initiatives. The brand aims to launch UK-wide pop-up shops, enter the foodservice market, and expand exports through distributor partnerships—all while continuing to collaborate with organisations like The Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

“Montezuma’s transformation is a testament to the power of strategic investment and an engaged, forward-thinking culture. This is the kind of result that defines our hands-on approach, proving that even distressed assets can become success stories.”

Paul Taylor

Chairman, Paramount Retail Group

Montezuma’s, alongside Bristows under the Great British Confectionery Group banner, exemplifies Paramount’s ability to combine heritage with innovation, ensuring both brands lead the market in 2025 and beyond.

Saltaire Brewery, part of Paramount Retail Group, has announced the acquisition of the Keystone Brewing Group brand portfolio, securing the future of a collection of respected British beer brands with deep manufacturing heritage and strong regional roots.

The acquisition follows recent national coverage highlighting the challenges facing independent British brewers and the importance of responsible ownership in safeguarding jobs, production, and local brewing communities. Against a backdrop of rising costs, market consolidation, and increased insolvencies across the sector, Saltaire’s acquisition represents a clear commitment to long-term stewardship rather than short-term consolidation.

This milestone builds on the strong progress Saltaire has made since joining Paramount Retail Group 18 months ago. During that period, the brewery has accelerated growth, strengthened its operational foundations, and reinforced its role as a custodian of authentic British brewing brands with real provenance and manufacturing presence.

The Keystone portfolio brings together a number of well-established breweries and beers, each with its own identity, loyal customer base, and regional significance. Under new ownership, the focus will be on protecting what makes each brand distinctive; maintaining brewing standards, safeguarding employment, investing in production capability, and supporting the trade for the long term.

This approach reflects Paramount Retail Group’s wider strategy of backing heritage British brands with strong manufacturing roots. Rather than stripping back identity or centralising production for short-term gain, the group provides patient capital, operational expertise, and commercial discipline to allow brands to stabilise, rebuild, and grow sustainably.

The transaction further strengthens Saltaire’s ambition to be a leading regional brewery with a growing national presence, while remaining firmly grounded in its Yorkshire origins. It also reinforces the group’s confidence in the UK brewing sector and the enduring value of well-made, well-loved British beer.

“These are brands with real history, real people behind them, and real places at their heart. Our responsibility is to look after them properly, to brew them well, protect jobs, support the trade, and invest with a long-term mindset. This acquisition reflects both the progress Saltaire has made and the strength of the team driving that growth.”

Sunny Sharma

Director, Saltaire Brewery

“This is not about financial engineering or consolidation. It’s about restoring confidence, rebuilding relationships, and ensuring that proud British brewing businesses continue to exist, employ people, and serve their communities for generations to come.”

Ravi Sharma

Director, Saltaire Brewery

For Paramount Retail Group, the acquisition underlines continued momentum across the wider business. Sustained growth, disciplined investment, and a stewardship-led approach position the group strongly for the future while remaining true to its core values of quality, responsibility, and long-term brand building.

The Keystone brands will continue to be brewed, supplied, and supported as part of Saltaire’s expanding brewing platform, ensuring continuity, quality, and long-term investment in each individual brand.

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