Woods Foodservice acquires John Mower & Co

Further to Cash & Carry Management’s announcement on 6 January that Woods Foodservice has acquired John Mower & Co, more detail has been given about the development. 

The move will create one of the UK’s largest, premium restaurant wholesalers, with more than 3,000 customers who share upwards of 90 Michelin stars. The business boasts a client list including The Fat Duck, Gymkhana and The Ledbury, and the acquisition will see it take on even more culinary icons such as Harrods and Ramsay.

Based in Uxbridge, Woods is a family-owned business that has been supplying hospitality providers and restaurateurs since 1982. Darren Labbett is its managing director.

Initially established as Woods Caterfoods by Labbett’s grandfather, the business was rebranded by Labbett when he took over as MD in 2000 – eight years after he first joined the firm. Labbett’s children – Holly, Rosie and Lewis – now also work in the business.

Forecasting to achieve over £40 million in revenue this financial year, Woods Foodservice has driven year-on-year growth of 5% versus 2024. Developments included adding fresh produce, tableware and meat to its offer.

The takeover will see its revenue grow to over £50 million.

Over the last 24 months it has invested heavily in technology, creating a bespoke platform that enables chefs to order via an app. Woods is also making continuous enhancements through AI, electrifying its delivery fleet and creating one of the UK’s most advanced food preservation hubs with climate-sensitive rooms for fruit, mushrooms and even chocolate.

Labbett said: “Perfectly conditioned food for top chefs is all about how you deliver it. We can supply the freshest artichoke to a London restaurant within an hour – maybe even faster with this acquisition.”

John Mower & Co is based in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, and supplies restaurants, hotels, bars, delis and other operators with dry goods, such as flour, sugar, salt, pasta, cooking chocolate and vinegars. It has been trading since 1947.

The company was purchased from John Mower in 1974 by the existing management. The current managing director is John Tweed.

The acquisition will see Woods take on the Hoddesdon distribution centre, increasing its capacity and speed of delivery.

Labbett said: “John Mower is an industry icon; its core values align strongly with Woods Foodservice. We both put our customers above all else. That principle has fuelled our success. We’re a careful business; this acquisition is a thoughtful step to deliver measured growth, whilst remaining profitable and continuing to deliver excellence.

“The opportunity for growth over the next five years is huge and this deal will put Woods Foodservice and John Mower at the heart of fine dining across London and other major cities.”