Bidcorp UK, the Caterfood Buying Group, has extended its portfolio of brands with the acquisition of a Suffolk-based wholesaler Thomas Ridley foodservice.

The announcement comes after Bidcorp UK confirmed that Harvest Fine Foods has been welcomed into the Group.

Andrew Selley, CEO of Bidcorp UK , said:

“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 Fooservice."

Thomas Ridley foodservice was established in 1808 and has built lasting relationships across industries such as healthcare, education, hospitality, hotels, restaurants and retail through its outstanding customer service.

As a family-run business, Thomas Ridley has operated efficiently and environmentally consciously, delivering to over 2,000 customers across the east of England and London.

According to Selley, the Caterfood Buying Group's network of independent businesses is expanding with Nichol Hughes, Elite Fine Foods, Caterfood, South Lincs Foodservice and Cimandis on board.

Andrew Selley also commented:

“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, added:

"The business has been run by my family over 200 years so it was important that we joined a company that shares the same customer focused 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."

Thomas Ridley foodservice started operating under Bidcorp UK effective from 23 January 2023.