Oli Sampson, managing director of frozen food specialist Central Foods, has reflected on his first year in the role and the importance of supporting wholesalers through a challenging trading environment.
Having spent more than a decade with the business before becoming managing director in 2025, Sampson says the focus has been on helping wholesale customers respond to cost pressures while continuing to meet the evolving needs of foodservice operators.
“The biggest challenge continues to be cost pressure across the supply chain,” he said. “Wholesalers are looking for ways to offer customers more choice while managing risk and maintaining margins.”
Central Foods supplies more than 250 wholesalers nationwide, offering a wide portfolio across meat, poultry, vegetarian, vegan, free-from, buffet, bakery and dessert categories.
The company works closely with its wholesale customers to support menu development and introduce new products that help operators respond to challenges such as rising labour costs, food inflation and increased food waste.
Sampson says innovation will remain a key focus as the business continues to strengthen its product portfolio and supplier partnerships.
Central Foods distributes more than 75,000 cases of frozen food each week through over 300 delivery points across the UK and is marking 30 years in the foodservice sector during 2026.
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