Supplier Awards 2026: Specialist Wholesaler of the Year – Mevalco

Bristol-based Mevalco has deepened its relationships with hospitality operators over the past 12 months in the niche Spanish foods sector.

Rather than consolidating or simplifying its ranges as the market tightened, it decided to bring more creativity to its chef customers, offering new, cost-effective products that help restaurants stay ahead of the pack.

Recent additions, such as its lechón range (specialist cuts from 12kg-15kg piglets), floured squid and anchovy, Castilian ceps, Basque-style cheesecake and a new line of ex-dairy hogget, were all launched in response to chef demand. These products have expanded menu versatility, offering new gross profit-friendly dishes and enabling chefs to work with ingredients they cannot source from mainstream wholesale channels.

Mevalco works with more than 110 producers in Spain to offer chefs access to rare, terroir-rich ingredients – from MSC octopus to Cantabrian anchovies, Iberico tapilla and first-harvest Nova Picual olive oil. Over the past year it brought more than 80 new products to market, focusing on high-impact, high-value items, and it often goes the extra mile by taking its customers to Spain to understand the cuisine and provenance first hand.

Another pivotal development has been Mevalco’s expanded presence in London, supported by the appointment of a senior sales chef/director for the capital. This has allowed it to develop deeper, more bespoke relationships with contract caterers, hotel groups and Michelin-level operators.

With consistent year-on-year growth, including a 25% sales uptick last year, the company continues to outperform the wider specialist wholesale market. A key driver has been a collaboration with one of the UK’s major premium restaurant groups, with whom Mevalco developed bespoke Ibérico cuts and a tailored supply chain. This partnership went live in November and is set to expand further, marking one of its most significant wins to date.

Judges’ comment

“A very specialist wholesaler covering a really niche market and clearly excelling in the world of Spanish produce.”

Mark Taylor, director, Bloom Foodservice

The shortlist

• Hallgarten & Novum Wines
• Mevalco
• Oranka Juice Solutions
• Planglow