A Northamptonshire frozen food supplier is celebrating 30 years in business in 2026, as managing director Oli Sampson reflects on his first year in the role and the changing needs of the foodservice sector.
Central Foods, based in Collingtree, was founded in 1996 and has grown to become a specialist distributor to the UK foodservice market, supplying wholesalers nationwide with a wide portfolio of frozen food products.
Having taken on the role in 2025, Sampson said the focus has been on helping wholesale customers respond to rising costs while continuing to support foodservice operators with products that deliver on quality, consistency and convenience.
“Foodservice operators are under increasing pressure to deliver value while still offering great food experiences,” he said. “Our role is to support customers with products that deliver on quality, consistency and convenience.”
He added: “Frozen food also has an important role to play in helping operators manage some of the biggest pressures in the market. It can help reduce prep time in the kitchen, improve portion control and consistency, and cut waste because products are used according to demand. When labour costs and food prices are rising, those efficiencies can make a real difference.”
Central Foods supplies more than 250 wholesalers across the UK and offers a broad range spanning meat, poultry, vegetarian, vegan, free-from, buffet, bakery and dessert lines. The business distributes more than 75,000 cases of frozen food each week through over 300 delivery points nationwide.
Sampson said reaching the company’s 30-year milestone was an opportunity to reflect on both its heritage and its future direction.
“Reaching 30 years is a significant milestone for Central Foods,” he said. “It reflects the loyalty of our wholesale customers, the strength of our supplier partnerships and the dedication of our team.
“As we look ahead, our focus remains firmly on supporting the foodservice sector with innovative product development, operational reliability and the high standards of service that have defined the business since 1996.”
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