After adding five new members to the Country Range Group in 2024, CRG has started 2025 on an equally positive note by announcing Valley Foods as its newest catering wholesale member.
With the addition of Valley Foods, the group now includes 15 member companies and 17 wholesalers, which together serve the whole of Great Britain, Ireland, the Spanish coast and Jersey.
Founded in Trinity, Jersey in 1981, Valley Foods was founded by Matt Rogan, who initially traveled to the UK mainland to source specialty products for chefs and the wider hospitality industry. Known for its exceptional customer service and innovative solutions, the company came under new ownership in 2007 when entrepreneurs Andrew and Helen Clackett took over and moved to their current premises at La Solitude Farm in St Martin.
Under the leadership of Andrew and Helen Clackett, Valley Foods flourished and expanded with the acquisition of Trinity Fine Foods, Ashley Meats and a local Polish importer. The company also made significant investments in a state-of-the-art slaughterhouse, which has since become one of the largest butcher shops on the island.
In recent years, this forward-thinking company has expanded its warehouse and freezer capacity, introduced a convenient shopping app for customers, and partnered with Jersey Hand Dived to offer a selection of local scallops. Key appointments have further strengthened the team, including Martin Mitchell, who will oversee the roll-out of their fresh produce line, and Alex Badarau, who will become Sales Director in 2023.
This local success story boasts an annual turnover of £14m and a portfolio of over 5,500 products. It employs 50 people and operates 17 vans.
Locally owned and operated, Valley Foods is committed to partnering with, supporting and promoting local producers and suppliers, contributing to the continued growth and resilience of the Island community.
Valley Foods will immediately benefit from Country Range Group’s strong buying power, exceptional three-tier portfolio of own brands, impactful campaigns, valuable data and insights, and extensive marketing campaigns.
Helen Clackett, director of Valley Foods, said: “2024 was another positive year for our business, so we are very excited to be joining the Country Range group as we aim to achieve even more in 2025. We have no doubt that the group’s product portfolio, analytics, insights and buying power will stronger than us, improve our offering and ensure continuous improvement.”
Country Range Group CEO Martin Ward said: “We are delighted to welcome Helen, Andrew and the entire Valley Foods team to the Country Range Group family and wish them the best of luck for 2025. With over 40 years of experience, Valley Foods has an incredible customer base and an impeccable reputation as a first-class customer service provider, we are confident that we can help them grow into an even greater force, and we are excited to see our brand to reach new chefs and consumers in Jersey.
