Northamptonshire food business expands international partnerships as it marks 30 years
A Northamptonshire-based foodservice business is continuing to expand its international partnerships as it celebrates 30 years of trading in 2026.
Central Foods, the frozen food specialist based in Collingtree, has added a new vegetarian appetiser range from European manufacturer Le Duc to its portfolio, strengthening its offer to UK wholesalers and caterers.
The new range includes a selection of bar-style snacks such as breaded mushrooms, camembert bites, mozzarella sticks and chilli cheese products, reflecting growing demand for vegetarian options across pubs, bars and casual dining.
The partnership supports Central Foods’ long-standing approach of bringing established household foodservice brands into the UK market, with its mixed pallet consolidation model helping wholesalers access a broader range of products without the constraints of large minimum orders.
Le Duc, which is headquartered in the Netherlands, specialises in vegetarian snacks and sharing products designed for professional kitchens.
Oli Sampson, managing director of Central Foods, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Le Duc and to be expanding our vegetarian range with a proven manufacturer.
“As customer demand continues to evolve, particularly around meat-free and flexible menu options, it’s important that we’re able to offer products that deliver both quality and consistency for operators. Partnerships like this allow us to keep strengthening our range and supporting our customers with relevant, on-trend solutions.”
Dick Den Hertog, CEO and founder of Le Duc, added: “We were impressed by the strength of Central Foods’ distribution network and its clear focus on quality. We’re looking forward to working together to bring our vegetarian appetisers to more food operators across UK.”
Central Foods supplies more than 250 wholesalers nationwide and distributes over 75,000 cases per week, with more than 300 delivery points across the UK. The business also holds BRCGS certification, reflecting its commitment to food safety and quality standards.
The company is marking its 30th anniversary this year, having grown from a regional supplier into a national foodservice partner working across multiple sectors, including hospitality, catering and leisure.