Business News

Hunt’s Food Group rebrand reflects ambitious plans

Published by
Tim Wickham

Sherborne-based wholesaler Hunt’s Foodservice has rebranded to become Hunt’s Food Group to reflect its diversification and future plans. Foodservice still represents more than half of the business, but the wholesaler also has a broad remit supplying retail and natural products to farm shops, independent stores, coffee shops and online retailers, including Ocado and Mindful Chef.

The Hunt’s Food Group’s diversification has enabled it to become more robust by identifying areas of growth and opportunity. By adding new lines to its range, such as health foods and regional products, the company aims to appeal to a new and more varied customer base as well as growing volume with its existing customers.

Thomas Hunt, Group Managing Director, said:

“Having more to offer our existing customer base has meant we have grown volume dramatically. Our customers benefit from the relationships we have with them, and we have become a one-stop-shop, which makes their life much easier. As a result of this, we have grown turnover from £42m in 2013 to a forecasted £110m in 2022.”

The company, which employs more than 600 people, takes a ‘people-first’ approach that has driven a high staff retention rate. “Many of the team have been with us years, and for some, that’s more than 45 years. Customers benefit from such long-standing relationships with our team and receive a personal service, which they value,” said Hunt.

Hunt’s Food Group is also focusing on its environmental impact. “In addition to supporting our employees, we’re also committed to doing our best for the environment,” said Hunt. “We are working with specialists to lower our carbon footprint. We use electric and hybrid vehicles where we can, we’re installing solar panels at our head office depot and have planted eight acres of trees. This has always been important to us as a business, but now we are focusing on it as a priority for the future.”

Hunt’s Food Group was ranked at number 49 in The Business Magazine's 2021 edition of the Solent 250 list of the biggest local businesses.

Tim Wickham

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