UK-based Stuart’s Foods has acquired Lancashire-based fruit and vegetable wholesaler, S Clift Grimsby, for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition is reported to be in line with Stuart’s Foods expansion strategy of taking over potential complementary businesses, including butchers, bakers, delis and food wholesalers.

The company intends to make further investments in S Clift over the next five years in order to upgrade the facility, apply for industry food handling accreditations and purchase new refrigerated vans.

“Our direct relationships with growers and other quality suppliers in our region mean we are able to source the best quality ingredients and deliver them to our clients with minimum road miles."

Stuart’s Foods managing director Damian Howarth said: “We’ve built up a strong understanding of the catering trade over the past four decades and we’re passionate about promoting and supporting the whole healthy eating agenda.

“Our direct relationships with growers and other quality suppliers in our region mean we are able to source the best quality ingredients and deliver them to our clients with minimum road miles.

“Many of our local authority clients, in particular, have quite strict requirements around food standards, and this means that we are able to take care of this for them and help them meet their targets.”

The deal is expected to enhance Stuart’s Foods reach to towns such as Hull, York, Lincoln and Harrogate.

Stuart’s Foods currently serves more than 800 customers across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, as well as delivers more than 170,000l of milk and 525,000kg of potatoes per annum.