Female leadership fuels Woods Foodservice expansion

Since its founding in 1982, the family-run business has grown into one of the UK’s most respected names in premium foodservice. Now, the next generation is helping shape its future. Holly Labbett, head of marketing, and Rosie Labbett, head of procurement, are key figures in the business, alongside Jade Jones, head of sales, forming part of a strong female leadership team steering Woods through a transformative period.

Rosie has played an instrumental role in expanding Woods’ offer into fresh produce, tableware and meat – developments that have helped drive 5% year-on-year growth vs 2024.

She says: “Procurement is about understanding what chefs need before they ask for it, building trust with suppliers and ensuring we consistently deliver quality and value. As we grow, maintaining those standards is critical.”

Holly has focused on strengthening the Woods brand and communicating its premium service-led proposition. She says: “This acquisition is a huge milestone for us, but it’s also an opportunity to reinforce who we are: family-run, relationship-led and committed to excellence.”

Meanwhile, Jade Jones has played a crucial role in expanding Woods’ footprint across hospitality.

She says: “We’ve built our reputation on service, reliability and trust. As we grow, we’re investing in the people and systems that allow us to deliver at scale while keeping that personal touch.”

Woods Foodservice has always been about more than supplying high-quality ingredients. It’s about building relationships, championing people and creating a business that reflects the values of the hospitality industry.

That ethos extends to its sustainability strategy, with the business recently achieving B Corp certification following a decade of green innovation, driven by Felicidade Lopes, compliance director. Initiatives include the rollout of an electric vehicle fleet, expansion of solar energy capacity, and close collaboration with suppliers to strengthen responsible sourcing and reduce emissions across the wider supply chain.

The business also reports a zero gender pay gap, which it attributes to longstanding transparent and equitable pay structures across all levels.

As a female-led company operating in a sector where women remain underrepresented at senior levels, Woods’ story carries wider significance at a time when conversations around leadership, diversity and opportunity are gaining momentum.

With revenues set to surpass £50m post-acquisition and a customer list featuring some of the UK’s most celebrated kitchens, Woods Foodservice isn’t just participating in change – it’s helping define the future of female leadership in foodservice.

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