Country Range expands group with new member

The Country Range Group (CRG) has signed First Choice Foodservice as its latest member as the Burton-upon-Trent wholesaler parts ways with Fairway Foodservice

Serving customers across the Midlands in the public and hospitality sectors from its 35,000 square foot warehouse in Staffordshire, First Choice Foodservice is on track to achieve £23.8m turnover this year.

“We’re delighted to be joining the Country Range Group and look forward to working with the other members to share best practice, improve and grow together,” said Steve Ainger, managing director, First Choice Foodservice. “The opportunities ahead for the business are very exciting and we’re confident the Group will help us to take the next step in our incredible journey.”

Originally established under the name Metro in 1969 by Eddie Ainger, his brother Graham and brother-in-law Arthur Taylor, the business initially ran nine local retail food stores before moving into the wholesale sector in 1982. Recognising the company’s future was in foodservice, the business rebranded in 2015 as First Choice Foodservice under the leadership of Eddie’s son Steve Ainger, Nick Grantham and Martin Flanders.

Country Range Group Chief Executive Martin Ward said: “I would like to wish a warm welcome to Steve and the wider First Choice Foodservice team on joining our Group. The business has a great heritage and culture so we’re very much looking forward to meeting everyone and getting to work. Their dedication to customer service is outstanding and with our buying power, three-tiered portfolio and extensive marketing support, I’m confident they will be a great fit for our Group and we can help them achieve their ambitious targets.”

Country Range Fairway Foodservice First Choice Foodservice Martin Ward Steve Ainger