Impact Food Group buys rival education caterer Dolce

Education caterer Impact Food Group (IFG) has acquired family-run school caterer Dolce, expanding its footprint across the UK.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the combined company will cater for around one million students across more than 1,500 schools daily.

Dolce will continue to operate as a standalone brand within IFG, which is also behind brands including Cucina, Innovate, Hutchinson and Chapter One, and claims to have a 97% contract retention rate.

Dolce was founded by Dan Curtis in 1999 and is now run by his two sons, Scott and Adam Curtis. It provides meals to more than 130,000 pupils nationwide as well as offering workplace catering.

Scott and Adam will remain at the helm and join the IFG senior leadership team. The group said this was designed to ensure continuity for clients, suppliers and employees, while creating opportunities for collaboration and training across the business.

IFG said the combined company would allow it to support schools of all types, including primary, secondary and independent, and offer better value to schools, students and parents.

Richard Taylor, chief executive of Impact Food Group, said: “Dolce’s dedication to quality, service and fresh food mirrors our own values and culture. We’re thrilled to join forces with a partner who shares our passion for transforming student outcomes through nutritious and vibrant food experiences.

“Together, we will combine our strengths to deliver exceptional service to our clients, enhance student wellbeing and preserve the unique cultures that define both our organisations and of which we are very proud. This collaboration empowers us to make a meaningful impact—helping more students eat better food, every day.”

Dolce co-founder Scott Curtis said joining IFG was the “exciting next step for the business.

He added: “[The deal] allows us to stay true to who we are while being part of a wider organisation that shares our passion and purpose. Together, we’ll keep doing what we do best: delivering great food, nurturing our people, and making a real difference in schools across the country.”

IFG won the Education Caterer of the Year award at the 2023 Foodservice Cateys, while the company’s Erin Ward won the 2025 School Chef of the year title.

Dolce won the Best Use of Technology Award at the 2011 Cateys.