JJ to focus on quality, service and diversification

Foodservice wholesaler JJ Foodservice has reported a dip in turnover and profit for the year ending 31 March 2024, citing challenging market conditions

The wholesaler reported a decline in turnover to £249.6m and a drop in profits from £19.5m to £11.2m.

“The past year has not been easy for the restaurant and catering sector,” said Mushtaque Ahmed, JJ Foodservice managing director. “High inflation made it challenging for our customers to manage costs and while inflation has eased, we’re still seeing an impact with fewer hospitality venues in operation.”

In response, JJ Foodservice has focused on diversification, quality and service which has included acquiring Asian specialist wholesaler Gatelands Supplies to support Thai, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese outlets. It has also purchased a freehold warehouse in Wimbledon to better serve premium restaurants.

“Our priority is quality and service, and our customers are integral to this journey,” he said. “The Gatelands acquisition has opened up new sectors and allowed our existing customers to add fresh Asian flavours to their menus – this diversification is key to our growth.”

The focus is already paying off for JJ, with sales to Thai restaurants doubling since last year as it plans to extend the same approach to other cuisines including Japanese, Korean, Turkish and Italian.

Foodservice Gatelands Supplies JJ Foodservice Mushtaque Ahmed