About Forrest Fresh Foods

Built On Family.
Driven By Growth.

From humble beginnings in Rochdale to becoming one of the UK's leading independent FMCG wholesalers, Forrest Fresh Foods has grown by staying focused on strong relationships, great products and exceptional service.

1996 Established
3,500+ Customers Worldwide
£86m 2024 Turnover
Global Wholesale Reach
Forrest Fresh Foods team and warehouse
Our Story

Family Run.
Built To Grow.

Established in 1996 in Rochdale, Lancashire, Forrest Fresh Foods has been built with the same entrepreneurial spirit and customer-focused approach that shaped the business from day one.

Founded by John and Nichola Forrest, the company has grown from a regional fresh produce supplier into one of the country's largest independent omnichannel wholesalers, supplying customers across the UK and overseas.

Still family-run today, our ambition remains simple: connect customers with the brands and products they need, while making wholesale easier, faster and more effective.

Our Mission & Vision

Become essential to our customers by providing differentiated products and services that help them achieve their aspirations.

Why Forrest

What Makes Us
Different

Our business is built around giving customers access to quality products, dependable distribution and a straightforward wholesale experience.

01

Our Capabilities

From sourcing quality products to efficient distribution, transparent pricing and reliable logistics, we focus on delivering a consistently high standard of service.

Explore Logistics →
02

Your Supply Solution

Our product portfolio and distribution model are designed around efficiency, helping customers access the ranges they need while supporting the profitability of their businesses.

Explore Our Customers →
03

Supporting Sales Growth

We continuously evolve our range around category trends, product innovation and changing customer demand to help our customers stay competitive.

Explore Our Range →
Our History

From Rochdale
To Global Wholesale

Forrest Fresh Foods has continuously evolved, expanding its categories, supplier relationships and customer reach while remaining headquartered in Rochdale.

1996

Forrest Fresh Foods Founded

John and Nichola Forrest establish the business, initially supplying potatoes and fresh produce to fish and chip shops and fast-food outlets across the North West.

1998

£1 Million Turnover

Just two years after incorporation, the business reaches £1m turnover and expands into categories including soft drinks and takeaway packaging.

2011

Coca-Cola Direct Supply

Forrest secures a direct supply account with Coca-Cola, marking an important step in the company's development.

2014

Britvic Direct Supply

A direct supply relationship with Britvic follows, strengthening Forrest's position within soft drinks.

2016

£25 Million Turnover

Continued growth and stronger supplier partnerships take annual turnover beyond £25m.

2024

£86 Million Turnover

Forrest Fresh Foods reaches £86m turnover while continuing to expand its customer base, product range and international reach.

Leadership Team

Meet Our
Leaders

Our leadership team brings experience across sales, purchasing, operations, finance, logistics and business development to guide Forrest Fresh Foods through its next stage of growth.

Chris Craven

Chris Craven

Managing Director

Shona Craven

Shona Craven

Accounts Director

Stuart Lane

Stuart Lane

Sales Director

Kelly Clayton

Kelly Clayton

Purchasing Director

Mohammed Altaf

Mohammed Altaf

Finance Director

Jamie Kennedy

Jamie Kennedy

Operations Director

Neil Heseltine

Neil Heseltine

Sales Development Director

Antony Owen

Antony Owen

Transport Director

More Than Wholesale

People. Customers.
Community.

Forrest Fresh Foods team

Our People

Our people bring the Forrest values and mission to life every day. We invest in development, recognise performance and create opportunities for our teams to progress.

Forrest Fresh Foods customer visit

Our Customers

We work closely with retailers, wholesalers and trade customers to make their wholesale journey easier and help them grow their businesses.

Rochdale Borough Housing

Our Community

Forrest Fresh Foods supports its local community and works with Rochdale Borough Housing to donate stock to people in the area who need it most.

Grow With Forrest Fresh Foods

Whether you're looking for a wholesale supply partner, want to become a customer or are interested in joining the team, discover more about working with Forrest.

Become A Customer

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