Dunsters Farm Foodservice has completed the acquisition of fellow wholesaler Ralph Livesey, as the wholesaler looks to grow its fresh produce offering and continue its growth strategy.
Established in 1920 as a stall on Preston Market, Ralph Livesey has grown into a supplier to education caterers, hospitality venues and independent retailers across the north of England with depots in Preston and Bolton.
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“Bringing Ralph Livesey into the Dunsters Farm family is a significant step forward for us,” said Hannah Barlow, managing director, Dunsters Farm. “Their reputation for high-quality fresh produce, customer loyalty and regional knowledge is second to none. What makes this especially exciting is how naturally our businesses fit together. Both of us started life in the North-West; Ralph Livesey with a market stall on Preston’s Flag Market and Dunsters with my grandad’s milk round in Bury. We’ve both grown organically by listening to our customers and staying rooted in our communities.
Andrew Christian, managing director, Ralph Livesey, added: “This wasn’t just about finding a buyer – it was about finding the right fit. We have spent generations building trusted relationships with our customers and suppliers, and it was important to find a partner who shared that approach. DunstersFarm really stood out. Their values align with ours, their track record in the sector speaks for itself and they genuinely understand what it means to serve the region. With their support, we can continue to grow, evolve and deliver even more to our customers—while staying true to who we are.”
