With a turnover of more than £130 million, Hancocks operates from 20 sites and carries over 5,000 branded and own-label products.

As well as the C&C side, Hancocks has been expanding its online wholesale operation, together with its World of Sweets distribution business.

The company was founded by the late Ray Hancock and his wife Liz, trading from a shop in Shepshed near Loughborough.

With the cash & carry business growing, a head office was opened in Loughborough, next door to the first depot.

Explaining why it joined Today’s, executive chairman Mark Watson (pictured) said: “It was a big decision after operating independently for 54 years. However, we feel we have found a perfect partner to work with in the future, helping the whole group benefit from the substantial buying power it will now have.

“We look forward to working much closer with the team and the group’s existing wholesaler members.”

John Schofield, acting managing director of Today’s Wholesale Services, commented: “We welcome Hancocks to the Today’s family.

“In the current market, where consolidation is a fact of life, the benefits of being part of a larger group and leveraging the scale while still being able to deliver the unique proposition and passion that drives independent businesses is more important than ever.”

Tel: Hancocks Cash & Carry (01509) 216644