UK foodservice wholesaler Sysco GB has acquired wholesale catering butcher Fairfax Meadow from Hilton Foods.

Sysco GB said the acquisition marked the latest stage in its strategy to grow its centre of plate proposition and become the “UK’s leading fresh meat supplier to the foodservice sector”.

Operating for more than 50 years, Fairfax Meadow, which employs 360 people, is based at production and distribution premises in Derby, Enfield and Eastleigh.

The acquisition will reportedly “add additional meat manufacturing capability to Sysco GB” while building on its acquisition of Campbell’s Prime Meat, which operates across Scotland and the north of England. Sysco GB said this would give it an “unrivalled national meat distribution network”.

“This acquisition acknowledges and further strengthens our position as one of the market leading meat suppliers.”

Commenting on the acquisition, Paul Nieduszynski, CEO of Sysco GB, said: “We are delighted that Fairfax Meadow will be joining the Sysco family. We have a strategic focus on providing the best centre of plate offer in foodservice, and the acquisition of Fairfax Meadow is a crucial next step in our plan to build leadership in the critical meat category.

“Fairfax Meadow is a great business with skilled and experienced colleagues and a superb reputation for producing quality meat, combined with great levels of service.

“We believe this is a complementary fit for Sysco GB, strengthening our fresh meat proposition across the country and bringing even greater value to our customers.”

Penny Tomlinson, managing director at Fairfax Meadow, commented: “This acquisition acknowledges and further strengthens our position as one of the market leading meat suppliers to the foodservice industry.

“Sysco GB is a business with a deep-rooted understanding and unparalleled reach within the fast-moving foodservice sector. We are proud to bring our extensive meat industry knowledge and team expertise to complement Sysco GB’s existing strengths.

“I look forward to continuing to lead the business with my experienced and loyal team, ensuring a seamless transition for all customers and stakeholders.”

Fairfax Meadow will continue to operate as a separate business but will now have “specialist foodservice support” with Sysco’s operating companies offering new routes to market, while it will benefit from Fairfax Meadow’s meat processing knowledge.