The acquisition of Ralph Livesey by Dunsters Farm marks an exciting chapter for the businesses, which together boast 160 years of combined heritage in the foodservice sector.
Established in 1920 as a stall on Preston Market, Ralph Livesey has grown into a trusted supplier to education caterers, hospitality venues and independent retailers across the north of England with depots in Preston and Bolton.
The business, which focuses on fresh fruit and vegetables, will enable Dunsters Farm to expand its portfolio which stretches across ambient, chilled, frozen and drinks, as well as non-food items.
Dunsters Farm also notes that the two wholesalers share similar values, with both focused on supporting local supply chains and communities and reducing food miles.
“Bringing Ralph Livesey into the Dunsters Farm family is a significant step forward for us,” said Hannah Barlow, managing director, Dunsters Farm.
“Their reputation for high-quality fresh produce, customer loyalty and regional knowledge is second to none. What makes this especially exciting is how naturally our businesses fit together. Both of us started life in the North-West; Ralph Livesey with a market stall on Preston’s Flag Market and Dunsters with my grandad’s milk round in Bury. We’ve both grown organically by listening to our customers and staying rooted in our communities.
“We’re proud to be fully independent and welcome another like-minded business into our family, one that shares our commitment to quality, sustainability and local sourcing. It’s a reminder that there’s still room for family-operated regional specialists like us to thrive, even in a marketplace increasingly dominated by larger national names.
“As members of the Caterforce buying group we also benefit from the strong collective power of the network, which helps us continue to offer the best price to our customers across the North and Midlands.”
Andrew Christian, managing director, Ralph Livesey, added: “This wasn’t just about finding a buyer – it was about finding the right fit. We have spent generations building trusted relationships with our customers and suppliers, and it was important to find a partner who shared that approach. Dunsters Farm really stood out. Their values align with ours, their track record in the sector speaks for itself and they genuinely understand what it means to serve the region. With their support, we can continue to grow, evolve and deliver even more to our customers - while staying true to who we are.”
Barlow agreed, noting that this will move will enable the businesses to remain true to their independent roots “in a rapidly consolidating market”.
