Arnott’s buys Kiwi biscuit maker 180 Degrees

Arnott’s has bought New Zealand artisan biscuit maker 180 Degrees to add to its stable of sweet and savory crackers.

The FMCG company bought the business from private equity investor KKR, for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 2001 by Frank Lawton, his partner Jill Seton, and Nigel Cranston, 180 Degrees has steadily built a distribution network across New Zealand and into Australia, where its products are stocked by Coles.

Seton told the National Business Review the business was founded on passion and grew into a premium business. She said Arnott’s shared the founders’ appreciation for legacy and would continue to build the brand.

Seton and Lawton describe themselves as “massive foodies” who used to travel the world as a butler and chef duo.

“After years of experiencing the best of international food we settled back into New Zealand life,” she explains on the company’s website. “Our passion for entertainment and good food inspired us to make a beautiful selection of crackers and biscuits to be enjoyed on all social occasions.”