The Country Range Group has announced the addition of Europ Foods as its first foodservice wholesale member from mainland Europe, effective October 1, 2024. This marks the Group’s 15th member.
Europ Foods will introduce the Group’s three-tiered own brand portfolio to international markets, leveraging the Group’s buying power, promotional activities, analysis, data insights, and extensive marketing initiatives.
Founded in Spain in 1987 by Johan and Robbert van Barneveld, Europ Foods aimed to support the increasing number of chefs and foodservice operators catering to the booming Mediterranean tourist trade during the late 1980s and 1990s. Nearly 40 years later, Europ Foods boasts an annual turnover of £60 million and employs around 200 staff, including a multi-lingual salesforce, operating across key tourist destinations from Huelva to Barcelona, as well as Portugal’s Algarve, the Balearics, and the Canary Islands.
The company is recognized for its high health and hygiene standards and offers a diverse selection of British and Dutch food products, along with popular international items. Europ Foods prioritizes absolute product traceability and provides a range of meats, custom-cut by expert butchers, and convenient pre-cooked meals crafted by in-house chefs.
Robert Van Barneveld, Managing Director of Europ Foods, expressed enthusiasm about joining the Country Range Group, citing its significant influence in the wholesale sector. Philip de Ternant, Chairman of the Country Range Group, welcomed Europ Foods’ strategic decision to join, aiming to enhance their product assortment for the growing customer base in Spain and Portugal. Chief Executive Martin Ward acknowledged Europ Foods’ extensive experience and reputation for exceptional customer service, expressing confidence in the potential for mutual growth.
The Country Range Group has over 30 years in the UK and Ireland’s innovative foodservice market, comprising 13 independent wholesalers. Beyond offering leading global brands, the Group features over 700 exclusively developed products under the Country Range label, encompassing grocery, chilled, frozen, and non-food items, recognized for quality and value.
Additionally, the Group publishes a trade magazine, “Stir it Up,” ten times a year, delivering the latest food and industry news, promotions, trend reports, and guides to assist foodservice caterers.
