Supplier Awards 2026: Food and Drink Wholesaler of the Year – JJ Foodservice

In a tough year for hospitality, JJ Foodservice has focused on helping operators thrive. By expanding its ranges by 20% over two years, improving service standards and introducing smarter ways to save, it has made it easier for chefs to access quality ingredients quickly and affordably.

Over the past 12 months, the wholesaler’s growth has been driven by range expansion, innovative promotions and technology-led solutions. Initiatives included a new specialist sushi range, a ‘buy more save more’ promotion offering automatic discounts on 450-plus products when customers buy 20 or more – which now accounts for 37% of turnover in key categories – and the roll out of self-service kiosks across all branches, boosting counter sales by 30%.

The wholesaler also launched a Customer Service & Quality Standards project, delivering in-house training to all staff and introducing real-time driver ratings. This helped to increase its Trustpilot score from 2.7 to 4.7.

To ensure that drivers were upholding its standards, JJ introduced an Uber-style driver rating system, enabling real-time feedback and targeted training for drivers who didn’t score highly. The group also invested in 20 new vehicles with AI-equipped CCTV that includes safety features such as fatigue alerts and phone-use detection to support the safety and wellbeing of drivers.

Sustainability initiatives have bolstered JJ’s offer too, with all branches now featuring 10,387 solar panels, which generate 4.1m kWh annually, cutting CO₂ emissions by 923.8 tonnes.

It is no wonder that all these measures have resulted in major contract wins, including a £3m-a-year deal with the Northeast Procurement Organisation. The agreement, which began in July 2025 and will span two years, will see the supplier deliver frozen food to more than 300 sites across eight councils, including schools, nurseries, cafés, theatres and care services.

JJ also secured a £750,000 contract to supply frozen foods to Bolton Local Authority, expanding on its existing grocery supply.

Judges’ comment

“JJ Foodservice has had impressive sales growth and innovation and new product ranges alongside strong customer retention. Its growth in the public sector has been significant and its commitment to the environment has reduced CO2 emissions by almost 1,000 tons per annum.”

Matthew Merritt-Harrison, managing partner, Merritt-Harrison Catering Consultancy

The shortlist

• Booker

• Brakes

• Creed

• JJ Foodservice