Who we are as a company
We are Sterling Supergroup
We have a long established history and a great reputation with suppliers and members alike.
We pride ourselves on long-lasting and profitable relationships within the chain and co-operation is key and central to everything we do.
We are committed to enabling a successful commercial future for our members, their suppliers, our suppliers and our customers.
Our size and structure gives us the speed and agility needed to respond to market changes.
Our knowledgeable and influential members meet regularly to identify initiatives that will benefit the growth and development of Sterling Supergroup and its members.
Close communication between the members and with head office results in a powerful and informed team that can react quickly to resolve challenges and take advantage of market shifts.
Sterling Supergroup is a member of the FWD
(Federation of Wholesale Distributors).
Together we are stronger and better able to supply the foodservice customers value and respect.
Founded in 1966, the Sterling Supergroup is a true members’ buying co-operative, with 36 wholesalers and an annual turnover in excess of £450 million. The membership consists of family owned wholesale companies located throughout the United Kingdom, supplying thousands of catering outlets.
Product ranges supplied include a full range of ambient, frozen, fresh & chilled foods, and non-foods.
The wholesalers within Sterling Supergroup support a national promotion programme arranged by the Head Office but retain their individual identity.
Strength Through Co-operation
Sterling Supergroup Constitution
The Group is controlled by a board of members elected annually by the membership at the AGM. Regular members meetings are held and an Annual Conference takes place in September. All members are equal shareholders, irrespective of the size of their company.
The Group Head Office is non-profit making and all income is paid out in full to members.
The board is currently made up of the following Sterling Supergroup Members:
Nigel Chadd of Chadds / Foodsmiths Ltd
Ali Alleyassin of ELC UK Ltd
Gary Hannah of Hannah Foods
John Whitechurch OBE (Chairman) of J & R Foodservice Ltd
Yan Whitechurch of J & R Foodservice Ltd
Andrew Jefferson of MKG Food Products Ltd
Andrew Reid of Reids Foodservice
Toby Short of McCartney Foodservice Ltd
Andy Allen of Ewood Foods
Who we are as a team
One of the things that sets Sterling Supergroup apart from competitors is our fantastic team at Head Office.
They are an experienced and very popular team that has grown with the business; embracing change and responding to market developments.
Our Head Office team support our Members, by providing valuable accurate and up to date product and pricing information, to allow informed decision-making and continued success.
Jodie Garnham
Head of Finance & Operations
Daniel Larkin
Chief Commercial Officer
Kerry Clements
Marketing & Brand Manager
Carol Bartlett
Promotions Co-ordinator
Barbara Brewer
Own Label Co-ordinator
The team at Head Office are constantly monitoring markets, to provide sound advice and share vital market insights that allow Members to alter their pricing and operations accordingly. Their horizon-scanning for developing opportunities and potential market changes means Members are well-informed and able to react, for the benefit their businesses.
Head Office also provide centralised and bespoke marketing materials that allow Members to spend their valuable time on other areas of the business.
Head Office uphold the reputation of Sterling Supergroup through rigorous testing to ensure that products meet the quality expected of Sterling Supergroup and by making sure that representation of the Sterling Caterers Essentials Brand is clear, consistent and prominent across all materials, so that Sterling Supergroup gets the credit and kudos it rightly deserves in an increasingly competitive market.
Where we are headed as a company
Sustainability is about “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”(UN)
Sterling Supergroup believes in a considered and balanced approach to foodservice development; we seek to find suppliers and partners who share our aim to provide a sustainable service without compromise, whilst recognising the challenges presented by climate change, conflict and economic turbulence.
Sustainability has to be central to decision-making at every level. We need to embrace new food production technologies and distribution ideas that help us to protect the planet and its population. At Sterling Supergroup we are particularly keen to partner with companies that are pioneering and promoting the sustainability agenda.
Sustainability is one of the most important concepts when it comes to protecting the environment.
Most environmental problems – from overfishing to air pollution – come from using natural resources unsustainably and the solutions help us move towards a more sustainable way of doing things.