A Northamptonshire food supplier is marking 30 years in business at a time when rising costs are reshaping how the UK’s foodservice sector operates.
Central Foods, based in Collingtree, was founded in 1996 and now supplies more than 250 wholesalers nationwide. As it reaches its third decade, the company says demand is increasingly being driven by efficiency as much as product choice.
Managing director Oli Sampson, who took on the role in 2025, said the milestone comes during a period of sustained pressure on hospitality operators. “Foodservice operators are under increasing pressure to deliver value while still offering great food experiences,” he said.
He added that many businesses are rethinking how kitchens operate as labour and food costs continue to rise. “Frozen food has an important role to play. It can help reduce prep time, improve portion control and consistency, and cut waste,” he said.
That shift reflects wider constraints across the sector rather than a fundamental change in preference. Operators are often responding to necessity, not simply choosing convenience.
Central Foods distributes more than 75,000 cases each week through over 300 delivery points. Its range includes meat, poultry, vegetarian, vegan, free-from, bakery and dessert products.
While the company’s growth over three decades reflects long-term relationships with wholesalers and suppliers, the current trading environment is more complex. Cost control is now a central concern, influencing both purchasing decisions and menu design.
Sampson said the focus for the business is on consistency and support. “When labour costs and food prices are rising, those efficiencies can make a real difference,” he said.
For Northamptonshire’s wider food and hospitality sector, the picture remains steady but constrained. Businesses continue to adapt, but margins are tight and confidence remains cautious.
Against that backdrop, Central Foods’ 30-year milestone is less about celebration and more about resilience in a changing market.
