Caterforce and Holdsworth Foods agree to part ways

Caterforce and Holdsworth Foods have agreed to part ways with effect from 31 October 2026.

Gary Mullineux: ‘Holdsworth Foods’ customer requirements and our group purchasing model are not as closely aligned as both parties originally anticipated.’

The mutual decision to part ways follows discussions between both parties about the alignment of Holdsworth Foods’ buying model since it joined the group in February 2026.

Holdsworth Foods’ predominantly contracted customer base and strong focus on branded products have limited the scope for own-brand integration and purchasing alignment at group level. Both parties have therefore agreed that concluding the relationship is the most appropriate course of action.

Gary Mullineux, managing director of Caterforce, said: “Through our discussions, we have recognised that Holdsworth Foods’ customer requirements and our group purchasing model are not as closely aligned as both parties originally anticipated. We have therefore mutually agreed that parting ways is the right decision.

“We thank the Holdsworth Foods team for their involvement with Caterforce and wish them every success in the future. Our focus now is on working together with our supplier partners to ensure a smooth transition.”

Rupert Holdsworth, managing director of Holdsworth Foods, said: “Following our departure from Caterforce, Holdsworth Foods will operate independently outside a buying group. This approach will give us the flexibility to align our purchasing decisions with the needs of our customers and the requirements of our business.

“We would like to thank the Caterforce team and their wider membership for their support and look forward to continuing to build strong relationships with our supplier partners.”

Caterforce is a £1 billion independent foodservice buying group. After Holdsworth Foods’ departure, the group will consist of nine family-owned wholesalers across the UK and Ireland.

Its non-compete agreement and commitment to transparency enables members to share knowledge and expertise across all areas of their businesses, supporting collaboration and collective growth.