Harlech Foodservice, a prominent Welsh food supplier, has expanded its operations through the acquisition of fruit and vegetable wholesaler Oren Foods. This strategic move is designed to fill a significant gap in Harlech's product range by adding fresh produce to its offerings. The company plans to fully integrate Oren Foods into its main site by September, securing the jobs of Oren’s 25 employees based in Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd.

Established 45 years ago as Ffrwythau DJ Fruit, Oren Foods has established a strong presence supplying fresh produce across North Wales, servicing schools, care homes, and various hospitality venues. The company rebranded as Oren Foods in 2021 and has maintained a reputation for delivering quality fruit and vegetables to its customers over four decades. Harlech’s Managing Director, David Cattrall, emphasised the strategic fit of this acquisition, underlining the company’s ambition to be a total range supplier and reinforcing its commitment to maintaining Oren’s workforce during the transition period.

This acquisition forms part of a broader expansion strategy by Harlech Foodservice, which has been aggressively growing its footprint in Wales in recent years. Earlier, Harlech acquired Celtic Foodservice in South West Wales, integrating the 12 staff members and retaining the Pembroke Dock premises as part of a wider £6 million investment plan. This plan also includes the opening of a new depot in Carmarthen, which has already recruited 15 sales staff and drivers, and aims to create 150 new jobs overall. Over the past three years, Harlech has seen substantial growth, with sales increasing from £32 million to around £50 million, and profits reaching an all-time high of more than £2 million.

Harlech Foodservice, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, is a family-run wholesaler known for its innovation, wide-ranging product portfolio, and excellent customer service. The company recently joined the Country Range Group, a move expected to enhance its buying power, data insights, and marketing capabilities, further driving its growth and success.

In summary, Harlech Foodservice’s acquisition of Oren Foods represents a key step in its expansion and product diversification strategy, building on significant regional growth and underpinned by a robust commitment to job security and service enhancement within the Welsh food supply sector.