The acquisition of Ralph Livesey by Dunsters Farm marks a transformative chapter for both businesses, which together have an impressive 160 years of heritage in the food manufacturing sector.
Originally established in 1920 as a humble stall on Preston Market, Ralph Livesey has evolved into a trusted supplier for education caterers, hospitality venues, and independent retailers throughout the north of England. With depots in Preston and Bolton, their influence continues to expand.
This acquisition enables Dunsters Farm to enhance its diverse portfolio, which already includes ambient, chilled, frozen, and beverage products, as well as non-food items, with a renewed focus on fresh fruit and vegetables.
Moreover, both wholesalers share a commitment to supporting local supply chains and communities while striving to reduce food miles, a value that underpins their operations.
“Bringing Ralph Livesey into the Dunsters Farm family is a significant step forward for us,” stated Hannah Barlow, managing director of Dunsters Farm.
“Their reputation for high-quality fresh produce, customer loyalty, and regional knowledge is second to none. What makes this especially exciting is how naturally our businesses fit together. Both of us started life in the North-West; Ralph Livesey with a market stall on Preston’s Flag Market and Dunsters with my grandad’s milk round in Bury. We’ve both grown organically by listening to our customers and staying rooted in our communities.”
“We’re proud to be fully independent and welcome another like-minded business into our family, one that shares our commitment to quality, sustainability, and local sourcing. This partnership shows that there’s still room for family-operated regional specialists like us to thrive, even in a marketplace increasingly dominated by larger national names.”
“As members of the Caterforce buying group, we also benefit from the collective strength of the network, which helps us to offer the best prices to our customers across the North and Midlands.”
Andrew Christian, managing director of Ralph Livesey, emphasized, “This wasn’t just about finding a buyer – it was about finding the right fit. We have spent generations building trusted relationships with our customers and suppliers, and it was important to find a partner who shared that approach. Dunsters Farm really stood out. Their values align with ours, their track record in the sector speaks for itself, and they genuinely understand what it means to serve the region. With their support, we can continue to grow, evolve, and deliver even more to our customers – while staying true to who we are.”
Barlow agreed, noting that this strategic move will enable both businesses to remain true to their independent roots “in a rapidly consolidating market.”
