
Blakemore Foodservice Joins The Country Range Group
Blakemore Foodservice – a division of the prestigious A.F. Blakemore & Son group, has signified its intention for ambitious growth after joining the Country Range Group network of independent wholesalers.
With a 69,000ft distribution depot at its HQ in Walsall, an 80,000ft site dedicated to foodservice in Wakefield, plus a network of distribution hubs, Blakemore Foodservice is a family run, multi-temperature distribution company that supplies schools, local authorities, public houses, restaurant chains, the leisure industry and independent caterers throughout the UK.
Blakemore Foodservice will now gain access to the Country Range Group’s growing purchasing power and pioneering marketing initiatives including the monthly ‘Stir it up’ magazine and promotional publication.
The company will also receive exclusive ownership of the 800-strong range of products under the Country Range brand, which saw total sales in excess of £110 million in 2018.
Coral Rose, Managing Director of Country Range Group, said:
“The name A.F. Blakemore has been a sign of quality food and drink plus incredible customer service for the last century in the UK so we’re delighted to welcome Blakemore Foodservice to the Group.”
“The CRG and Blakemore already share so many values when it comes to integrity, innovation, a personal approach and the development of its people so we’re excited for the future. Blakemore Foodservice will participate fully in all Group purchasing and marketing initiatives.”
“We look forward to meeting the wider Blakemore team at our Annual Trade Exhibition later this month and are confident our expertise, commercial foundation and added value customer support strategies will help them achieve their ambitious plans for growth.”
Caoire Blakemore, Head of Blakemore Foodservice, said:
“Country Range is widely recognised as a trusted brand, and we’re really excited to bring their range, developed exclusively for professional caterers, to our customers.”
“The quality and depth of the CRG range is fantastic and it’s always being innovated to keep up with trends.It will be great to join forces with other likeminded businesses to grow our share in the marketplace and support other foodservice businesses in their growth too.”
About Country Range
With 25 years of heritage servicing the UK’s innovative foodservice sector, the Country Range Group is made up of 13 independent wholesalers: Birchall Foodservice, Blakemore Foodservice, Caterite Foodservice, Creed Foodservice, Dunns Food and Drinks, EFG Foodservice, Harvest Fine Foods, Henderson Foodservice, Savona South West, Savona Foodservice, Thomas Ridley Foodservice, Trevors Foodservice and Turner & Price. In addition to offering leading brands, the Group also provides over 800 products, all developed exclusively for professional caterers under the Country Range brand. Covering grocery, chilled, frozen and non-food, Country Range is widely recognised by caterers as a trusted and reliable brand delivering consistent quality and value for money without compromising on taste and flavour.
Website: www.countryrange.co.uk
Twitter/Instagram: @countryrangeuk
About Blakemore Foodservice
A.F. Blakemore & Son is one of the largest and most forward-thinking family-owned businesses in the UK. The company began life in 1917 as a counter-service grocery store and now employs more than 7,500 people and generates a group turnover of circa £1.2 billion.
Fuelled by a passion for food and drink, the company has retail, wholesale distribution, logistics and shop fitting divisions, with Blakemore Foodservice launching in 1975.
Passionate about making a positive difference to its customers’ businesses, the foodservice industry and the wider community, Blakemore Foodservice holds the Investors in People Bronze standard and the Soil Association Catering Mark Supplier Scheme Certification.
Website: www.afblakemore.com/food-service/welcome