Bidfresh, one of the UK’s leading fresh produce wholesalers, has acquired seafood suppliers Hodgson Fish and Sailbrand.
The acquisition supports the company’s ambition to double in size over the next five years and is the first under the leadership of Andy Farnworth, who became the wholesaler’s managing director last summer.
The move is expected to strengthen the group, delivering greater scale, a broader product range, and the combined expertise of all three businesses for the benefit of customers.
Hodgson Fish is a fourth-generation business and one of the UK’s oldest suppliers, with operations dating back to 1916 on the fish quay in Hartlepool.
Sailbrand started operations in 1980, sourcing and delivering fresh seafood in the West Yorkshire region. The range and geography have grown, and it now delivers fresh and frozen seafood as well as fresh poultry, continental meats, cheeses, and deli across the North of England.
Since Hodgson Fish acquired Sailbrand in 2018, both companies have gone from strength to strength, earning a reputation for quality, reliability, customer service, and a broad product offering.
Both companies will continue to operate independently under the leadership of Peter Hodgson as managing director, while Lee Roberts will continue to head Sailbrand as business director.
Commenting on the acquisition, Bidfresh MD Andy Farnworth, said: “We are committed to expanding our Bidfresh network into new territories, both through organic growth and the acquisition of like-minded regional fresh businesses that share our values and enhance our overall proposition. The addition of Hodgson Fish and Sailbrand is a perfect example of this strategy in action.”
