Kitwave has bought First Choice Foodservice.
It will join Kitwave’s foodservice division alongside its other acquired businesses Creed, Total, WestCountry, Fife Creamery and Charles Saunders Foodservice.
The move aims to support First Choice’s long-term growth ambitions while retaining its people, relationships, culture and values that “underpin the business’s success”.
Kitwave said there would be no changes to First Choice’s depot, operations, sales or head office teams, with the existing leadership structure remaining in place and Steve Ainger continuing as MD.
Ainger, who took over leadership from his father Eddie, has overseen an evolution of the company’s proposition, spearheading its strategic shift from a traditional cash & carry operation towards a delivered foodservice business.
Sophie Ainger will continue in her role as marketing manager, while Michael Ainger will continue to support the business in buying, as third-generation family members.
The business will also continue to trade under the First Choice Foodservice brand and will retain its existing membership of Country Range Group.
Customers and suppliers will still work with the same teams and contacts, with the business maintaining its focus on personal service and the strong customer relationships that have been central to its success, Kitwave added.
“First Choice has built a strong reputation through its customer-focused approach, experienced team and commitment to service,” said Kitwave wholesale group CEO Ben Maxted.
“Its evolution in recent years from a traditional cash & carry business into a growing delivered foodservice operation is particularly impressive, and there is a strong alignment between the business and our ambitions for the foodservice division. We are delighted to welcome Steve and the First Choice team to Kitwave and look forward to supporting the business as it enters its next chapter.”
Ainger added: “First Choice has always been a family business at heart. My father Eddie, and my uncles Graham and Arthur, built the company around hard work, strong relationships and a real commitment to looking after our customers. Those principles have remained central to the business throughout its development.
“When I took over the reins, I was determined to build on that legacy while also evolving the business for the future. Over recent years, we have made a significant shift from our traditional cash & carry roots towards a delivered foodservice model, and I am incredibly proud of what the team has achieved.”
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