Yate has one of the South West’s best-known family-owned foodservice suppliers remaining firmly on the local map after the company was bought by national distributor Kitwave Wholesale Group.
Local depot and jobs secured, owners say
Charles Saunders Foodservice, which supplies chilled, frozen and ambient products to hospitality, education, healthcare and catering customers across the region, will now operate as part of Kitwave’s foodservice division alongside several other regional businesses. The firm’s management stressed the acquisition will not lead to immediate changes for workers or customers.
The Yate depot, operations, sales and head office teams will continue in their present roles, and the business will still trade under the Charles Saunders name. The existing leadership team remains in place, with Darren Gaulton appointed executive director and Kim Carwardine continuing as managing director.
“Our priority has always been to ensure the business is well placed for long-term sustainable growth,” Mr Gaulton said. “Becoming part of Kitwave represents the next stage in that journey. This partnership gives us an excellent platform to continue to build, invest further in our people and continue delivering the exceptional service our customers expect.”
Kitwave’s management emphasised the strategic fit of the acquisition. The group operates a network of depots across the UK and said the deal strengthens its foodservice division and contributes to its long-term expansion plans.
“Charles Saunders is a highly respected foodservice business with an outstanding reputation across the south west, a loyal customer base and an experienced management team,” Kitwave chief executive Ben Maxted said. “Its customer-focused approach and strong family values make it an excellent fit for the Kitwave Group.”
What this means for customers and suppliers
For local caterers, schools and care providers who rely on timely deliveries of ingredients and catering essentials, the message from both firms is continuity. The acquisition includes entry into the Country Range Group – a national buying consortium – which could offer Charles Saunders access to broader purchasing power and product ranges while retaining local service and contact points.
- Operations: Yate depot and teams to remain unchanged.
- Branding: Business will continue to trade as Charles Saunders.
- Purchasing: Charles Saunders joins the Country Range Group as part of the deal.
The localised nature of foodservice distribution means continuity at the depot is significant. Many schools, care homes and hospitality businesses schedule deliveries weeks in advance; any change to routes or ordering systems can be disruptive. By assuring customers they will keep dealing with the same contacts in the same way, the firms aim to limit interruption.
Regional context and industry pressures
The acquisition underlines a wider pattern in the foodservice sector where regional wholesalers are increasingly consolidating with larger chains to gain scale, negotiate better supply terms and invest in logistics. Charles Saunders’ move into a national group could bring investment in systems, chilled and frozen storage capacity or distribution, but the company has made clear such development will be executed without dismantling the local operation.
For Yate, the deal preserves a long-standing employer and supplier. The town’s economy is a mix of light industry, retail and services; maintaining stable local businesses matters for employment and for the local supply chain that relies on fast, flexible delivery.
| Item | Effect |
|---|---|
| Yate depot | Remains open and operational |
| Staff and leadership | No immediate changes; Darren Gaulton named executive director |
| Branding | Continues as Charles Saunders |
Customers and suppliers are being reassured that day-to-day relationships will continue unchanged. That local reassurance, coupled with the potential advantages of national buying power through the Country Range Group, forms the immediate practical outcome of the sale.
As the wider foodservice industry adapts to higher operating costs and shifting demand patterns, Yate’s Charles Saunders has chosen a path that keeps its local footprint while plugging into national infrastructure. For businesses and residents who depend on the firm, the message for now is straightforward: deliveries should continue, familiar contacts remain, and the depot in Yate will still be there when the next order is due.
