After welcoming five new members into the Country Range Group in 2024, CRG has kicked off 2025 in a similar positive fashion after Valley Foods were announced as its latest foodservice wholesale member.
The arrival of Valley Foods means the Group now consists of 15 member businesses and 17 wholesalers, who together cover the whole of the UK, Ireland, coastal Spain and Jersey.
Valley Foods was set up in Trinity, Jersey, in 1981. Founder Matt Rogan would initially travel back and forth to the UK mainland to source specialist products for chefs and the wider hospitality trade. Building a reputation for the best customer service and innovative solutions, the business was taken over by entrepreneurs Andrew and Helen Clackett in 2007 and moved into its new home at La Solitude Farm in St Martin.
With the couple’s experience and new ideas, Valley Foods continued to grow and expand with the acquisitions of Trinity Fine Foods, Ashley Meats and a local specialist Polish importer. The business also invested in and installed a state-of-the-art butchery, which is now one of the largest butchery facilities on the island.
In recent years, the forward-thinking business has increased its storage and freezer space, launched a shopping app for customers, partnered with Jersey Hand Dived to stock a range of local scallops and made important appointments including Martin Mitchell, who leads the roll out of their fresh produce offering, and Alex Badarau, who was appointed Sales Director in 2023.
With an annual turnover of £14 million and over 5,500 products in the portfolio, the local success story employs 50 people and has 17 vans supplying the dedicated chefs and cooks working across the public catering and hospitality sectors.
Locally owned and locally run, Valley Foods are passionate about working with, supporting and promoting local producers and suppliers to continue to strengthen the Island community.
Valley Foods will immediately benefit from the Country Range Group’s buying power, unbeatable three-tiered own brand portfolio, promotions, data and insights, and comprehensive marketing campaigns.
Helen Clackett, Director at Valley Foods, said: “2024 was another positive year for our business so we’re incredibly excited to be joining the Country Range Group as we push for even more in 2025. We have no doubt that the Group’s product portfolio, analysis, insights and buying power will make us stronger, improve our offering and ensure continuous improvement.”
Country Range Group Chief Executive Martin Ward said: “We’re delighted to welcome Helen, Andrew and the whole Valley Foods team to the Country Range Group family and we send them our best wishes for 2025. With over 40 years’ experience behind them, Valley Foods has an incredible customer base and an impeccable reputation for providing first class customer service. We’re confident we can help them become an even more formidable force and are excited to see our brands reach new chefs and consumers in Jersey.”
About the Country Range Group
With over 30 years of heritage servicing the UK & Ireland’s innovative foodservice sector, the Country Range Group is made up of 13 independent wholesalers: Arthur David, Birchall Foodservice, Blakemore Foodservice, Brook Street Foodservice, Caterite Foodservice, Creed Foodservice, Dunns Food and Drinks, Harlech Foodservice, Henderson Foodservice, Savona Foodservice, Trevors Foodservice, Turner Price and Waterdene Foodservice.
In addition to offering the leading brands from around the globe, the Group also provides over 700 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.
The Group also publishes its trade magazine “Stir it up” 10 times a year, which features the latest food, drink and industry news. Moreover, it features Country Range brand promotions, in-depth trend reports and sector specific guides to support and inspire all foodservice caterers.
Catering Essentials Product Catalogue Grows with Launch of Freeze Chill Fries
