Jersey-based Valley Foods joins Country Range Group

Jersey-based Valley Foods has joined Country Range Group.

The arrival of Valley Foods means that CRG now consists of 17 wholesalers, who together cover the whole of the UK, Ireland, coastal Spain and Jersey.

Valley Foods was set up in Trinity, Jersey, in 1981. Founder Matt Rogan would initially travel back and forth to the UK mainland to source specialist products for chefs and the wider hospitality trade. Building a reputation for customer service and innovative solutions, the business was taken over by Andrew and Helen Clackett in 2007 and moved into its new home at La Solitude Farm in St Martin.

With the couple’s experience and new ideas, Valley Foods continued to grow and expand with the acquisitions of Trinity Fine Foods, Ashley Meats and a local specialist Polish importer. The business also invested in a state-of-the-art butchery, which is now one of the largest butchery facilities on the island.

In recent years, the business has increased its storage and freezer space, launched a shopping app for customers, and partnered with Jersey Hand Dived to stock a range of local scallops. It has also made key appointments, including Martin Mitchell, who leads the roll-out of its fresh produce offering, and Alex Badarau, who was appointed sales director in 2023.

Valley Foods has an annual turnover of £14 million and over 5,500 products in its portfolio. It employs 50 people and has 17 vans supplying the chefs and cooks working across the public catering and hospitality sectors.

Director Helen Clackett said: “2024 was another positive year for our business so we’re incredibly excited to be joining the Country Range Group as we push for even more in 2025. We have no doubt that the group’s product portfolio, analysis, insights and buying power will make us stronger, improve our offering and ensure continuous improvement.”

Country Range Group chief executive Martin Ward added: “We’re delighted to welcome Helen, Andrew and the whole Valley Foods team to the Country Range Group family and we send them our best wishes for 2025.

“With over 40 years’ experience behind them, Valley Foods has an incredible customer base and an impeccable reputation for providing first-class customer service. We’re confident we can help them become an even more formidable force and are excited to see our brands reach new chefs and consumers in Jersey.”