Blue Apple merges with CH&Co

Blue Apple has merged with CH&Co in a deal that will strengthen the independent caterer’s position in the workplace market.

It will join Gather & Gather and Vacherin as dedicated brands within CH&Co’s workplace portfolio, with co-founders Brian Allanson and Ruston Toms continuing to manage the business.

Blue Apple has a turnover of £14m and employs 300 people. It operates across the south-east of England, the Home counties, the Midlands and the south-west with a range of workplace, manufacturing and higher education clients.

Last year the caterer announced a partnership with Launceston Place chef-patron Ben Murphy, who worked with Blue Apple co-hosting events and consulting with its chefs including culinary director Chris Ribaudo.

The business was named Business and Industry Caterer of the Year at the Foodservice Cateys in 2021, while its growth was also recognised in 2018 by the London Stock Exchange when it was named one of the 1,000 companied to inspire Britain and was the only hospitality business featured on the list.

Blue Apple co-founder Ruston Toms said: “We’re all super-excited about joining CH&Co and believe that the synergies created will benefit our amazing teams, clients and customers. This strategic move will combine resources, expertise and passion to elevate our already high standards to the next level. Our brand and our PIPS values of Passion, Integrity, Pride and Sustainability will remain.”

CH&Co chief executive Bill Toner added: “A very warm welcome to the Blue Apple team. Brian Allanson and Ruston Toms have built a great business over the last 25 years and we’re delighted they are joining CH&Co. The Blue Apple business is a great addition to our portfolio of workplace brands and we’re excited about the opportunities this merger provides all team members and our partners.”

The merger is the first Royal Warrant CH&Co has undertaken since Vacherin joined the business in February 2020.