As of October 1st, 2024, Country Valley Foods has become the newest foodservice wholesaler to join the Country Range Group.
Founded in 1971 by Stewart Munro and Eric Duggan, Country Valley Foods provides a wide selection of fresh meat, dry goods, chilled and frozen products, as well as janitorial supplies, serving the hospitality, retail, education, and healthcare industries.
In 2023, the family-owned business generated a turnover of £29 million and operates a fleet of 24 vehicles delivering five days a week across North East England. The company's success is founded on a commitment to exceptional quality, value, and customer service.
Edward Munro, Joint Managing Director of Country Valley Foods, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be joining the Country Range Group and are confident that their expertise, buying power and culture of continuous improvement will enhance our offering and service to help drive significant growth over the coming years.”
Country Range Group Chief Executive Martin Ward said: “It’s a great pleasure to announce Edward and his team as the latest member of the Country Range Group family. Over the last 50 years they have built a great name for themselves and a resilient business so we’re looking forward to working with the whole Country Valley team to help them take the next step and reach their next targets.”
Originally founded as Teesside Frozen Foods, the business initially focused on supplying frozen goods to small local supermarket chains. In 1986, it relocated to Darlington and rebranded as Country Valley Foods.
After introducing a range of fresh poultry, the business expanded its offerings to include chicken, turkey, bacon, gammon, frozen pies, and other frozen goods, catering to butchers and bakers. Following Eric Duggan's retirement in 1998, Stewart Munro’s sons, James and Edward, took over leadership and further expanded the business into the foodservice sector.
As the business experienced strong growth, it expanded to a second site in Billingham, which became the primary headquarters in 2017. This location now includes a state-of-the-art cutting plant, a dry aging room, and additional freezer and fridge capacity.
In 2018, Country Valley Foods fully integrated its fresh meat and foodservice divisions, while also investing in digital platforms, online ordering, and a dedicated ordering app.
By joining the Country Range Group, Country Valley Foods will immediately gain access to enhanced buying power, comprehensive data and insights, a robust three-tiered own-brand portfolio, and extensive marketing campaigns and promotions.