Fresh produce wholesaler Bidfresh has announced the acquisitions of Hodgson Fish and Sailbrand, both effective from 30th July 2025.
Bidfresh said that the strategic move “further strengthens” its position as the UK’s foremost fish and seafood wholesale distributor and supports its ambition to double in size over the next five years.
The deal marks the first acquisition under the leadership of managing director Andy Farnworth, who took on the position last summer. The acquisition is expected the strengthen the group as it will deliver greater scale and a broader product range, and will combine the expertise of all three companies.
Hodgson Fish, a fourth-generation supplier dating back to 1916, acquired Sailbrand in 2018. Sailbrand started operations in 1980 in the West Yorkshire region and now delivers fresh and frozen seafood, poultry, continental meats, cheeses and deli across northern England. Both companies will continue to operate independently under the leadership of Peter Hodgson as managing director, with Lee Roberts continuing to head Sailbrand as business director.
“We are committed to expanding our Bidfresh network into new territories, both through organic growth and the acquisition of like-minded regional fresh businesses.”
Commenting on the acquisition, Bidfresh managing director Andy Farnworth said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Peter, Jill, Ian, Lee and their teams into the Bidfresh family. We have long admired both businesses and are confident that, with our support, they will continue to flourish in their respective regions, serving their customers with outstanding quality fish and seafood.
“We are committed to expanding our Bidfresh network into new territories, both through organic growth and the acquisition of like-minded regional fresh businesses that share our values and enhance our overall proposition. The addition of Hodgson Fish and Sailbrand is a perfect example of this strategy in action.”
Peter Hodgson, managing director of Hodgson Fish and Sailbrand, added: “We see Bidfresh as the ideal partner, thanks to their core values of quality and service, and their commitment to allowing individual businesses to retain their unique operations within the group.
“We are excited about the future and look forward to working closely with Andy and the wider Bidfresh team. It will be very much business as usual — the same management team will remain in place, continuing our hands-on approach and personal service ethos.
