Retailer Planet Organic buys As Nature Intended chain

Upmarket grocer Planet Organic has swooped to buy a London chain that was started by the founder of supermarkets firm Iceland, Sir Malcolm Walker.

In a move that will nearly double the size of its estate, Planet Organic has agreed to buy As Nature Intended for an undisclosed sum.

The deal comes as demand for more ethical and sustainable goods soars.

As Nature Intended, which notched up sales of around £11 million last year and sells organic food and beauty products, has seven London branches. It has been sold by Walker and his daughter Caroline Gooding.

The acquired stores will be rebranded as Planet Organic, and join the new owner’s eight existing sites, including in Muswell Hill and Westbourne Grove.