Central Foods has announced that it has been acquired by the Gressingham Group of companies.

Central Foods was established in 1996 as a consolidator for the frozen wholesale market servicing the hospitality sector.  The company supplies market leaders Bidfood and Brakes, the large wholesale buying groups such as Caterforce and Country Range and smaller independent wholesalers, whilst also servicing large end-user multinational companies such as Greene King, Whitbread and Booker direct.

With annual sales of over £50m and a diverse range including meat, poultry, vegetarian and vegan, buffet, bakery and dessert lines, Central Foods is a well-established supplier of both brand and own-brand frozen products to the UK hospitality industry.

Two of the original company founders, Gordon and Alison Lauder, will remain as directors of the business.  Gordon will hand over responsibilities as MD after 28 years at the helm whilst Oli Sampson moves from Commercial Manager to Managing Director to ensure the business continues to operate as usual.

“We are excited to bring Central Foods into the Gressingham Group,” said William Buchanan, Group Director.  “The business opens up a new market category for us and its reputation for excellent products and service complements our existing presence in the foodservice sector.  We look forward to continuing to make frozen food wholesalers’ lives easier.”

Central Foods currently sells to over 200 independent wholesalers, as well as larger national and regional wholesalers. Based at Collingtree in Northamptonshire, the company is proud to be a catering partner across the whole food service sector, supplying to fast food outlets, hotels, restaurants, bars, universities, schools, pubs, care homes, garden centres, leisure venues and more.