Woods Foodservice to acquire John Mower in ‘multi million pound’ deal

Woods Foodservice has acquired fellow food and drink wholesaler John Mower in a multi-million-pound takeover.

The move will create one of the UK’s largest restaurant suppliers, numbering more than 3,000 customers who share upwards of 90 Michelin stars. London-based Woods’ client list includes the Fat Duck, Gymkhana and the Ledbury, while the acquisition will see it take on more major operators including Gordon Ramsay Restaurants and Harrods.

Forecasting to achieve in excess of £40m in revenue this financial year, Woods Foodservice has driven year on year growth of 5% versus 2024. The takeover will grow its revenue to more than £50m, with John Mower’s product portfolio adding more dry goods, such as flour, sugar, salt, pasta, cooking chocolate and vinegars, to its offerings.

The acquisition will also see Woods take on John Mower’s Hoddesdon distribution centre, increasing its capacity and speed of delivery.

When asked whether the integration would result in any structural changes, a Woods spokesperson told The Caterer that the business’ priority is “to deliver an excellent level of customer service – both businesses are currently doing that well”.

Established in 1982 and then re-established in 2000 by Darren Labbett, Woods capitalised on the fine dining and gastropub boom in the early millennium, supplying top restaurants with ingredients from across the world. Labbett’s children – Holly, Rosie and Lewis – also help manage the business.

“Perfectly conditioned food for top chefs is all about how you deliver it. We can supply the freshest artichoke to a London restaurant within an hour. Maybe even faster with this acquisition,” Labbett said.

Describing John Mower as “an industry icon”, he added: “Its core values align strongly with Woods Foodservice. We both put our customers above all else. That principle has fuelled our success. We’re a careful business, this acquisition is a thoughtful step to deliver measured growth, whilst remaining profitable and continuing to deliver excellence.

“The opportunity for growth over the next five years is huge and this deal will put Woods Foodservice and John Mower at the heart of fine dining across London and other major cities.”

Over the last two years, Woods has invested in technology, creating a bespoke platform that enables chefs to order via an app.

It is also making continuous enhancements through AI, electrifying its delivery fleet and creating one of the UK’s most advanced food preservation hubs with climate-sensitive rooms for fruit, mushrooms and chocolate.