Bidcorp UK acquires Harvest Fine Foods and Thomas Ridley Foodservice

Bidcorp UK has announced the acquisition of both Harvest Fine Foods and Thomas Ridley Foodservice.

Harvest Fine Foods, an independently run foodservice supplier to more than 1,000 catering establishments, opened its doors in 1988, and offers a range of 4,500 products including fresh and chilled produce and store cupboard ingredients from over 40 local suppliers.

Andrew Selley, CEO of Bidcorp UK commented: “We are delighted to welcome the Harvest Fine Foods team into the Bidcorp Family where it will join the Caterfood Buying Group, our growing network of independent businesses including Nichol Hughes, Elite Fine Foods, Caterfood, South Lincs Foodservice and Cimandis.”

Richard Strongman, managing director at Harvest Fine Foods, added: “We are looking forward to becoming part of the Bidcorp family, which shares our passion for quality products, competitive prices and unrivalled service. The team will continue to focus on the development and growth of our successful, service-led business, under the same identity and culture.”

Thomas Ridley Foodservice opened its doors back in 1808 and has longstanding experience in servicing customers across a variety of sectors including healthcare, education, hospitality, hotels, restaurants and retail.

Selley, added: “This is already shaping up to be an incredibly exciting year for us as a business. After being delighted to welcome Harvest Fine Foods into the Bidcorp family earlier this week, it gives me great pleasure to extend that same warm welcome to the team at Thomas Ridley Foodservice.

“As with Harvest, Thomas Ridley will join the Caterfood Buying Group. Thomas Ridley is a highly experienced and accomplished foodservice supplier, and will perfectly complement the Caterfood Buying Group. As with the acquisition of the other independent businesses within the group, Thomas Ridley will continue operating as an autonomous and independent business.

“We look forward to working alongside them to both learn from their expert teams, as well as supporting them from a financial and strategic perspective.”

Justin Godfrey, managing director of Thomas Ridley said of the sale: “The business has been run by my family for over 200 years, so it was important that we joined a company that shares the same customer focussed DNA; making food delivery one less thing to worry about.

“Bidcorp UK’s Caterfood Buying Group has the resource to support Thomas Ridley Foodservice in further improving and developing our offer and service level to our customers whilst keeping those family values.

“The Godfrey Family genuinely feel that The Caterfood Buying Group strategy of allowing Thomas Ridley to operate as an autonomous business, whilst supported by the power and scale of Caterfood; is the best option for all stakeholders. We would like to thank all of our past and present customers, suppliers and especially colleagues for making the business a great success.”

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