The Country Range Group has welcomed its first international member, with Spain-based Europ Foods joining the Group as its 15th member.
The move will see Europ Foods become the first company to roll out the Group’s three-tiered own brand portfolio in international markets, while also benefitting from the Group’s buying power, promotions, analysis, data and insights and wide-ranging marketing campaigns.
Established in Spain in 1987, Europ Foods was set up by entrepreneurs Johan van Barneveld and Robbert van Barneveld to supply the growing number of chefs, cooks and foodservice operators catering to the flourishing Mediterranean coastal tourist trade in the late 80s and 90s.
Now nearly 40 years later, the business has an annual turnover of £60m, 200 team members including a multi-lingual salesforce and an inimitable network of offices, depots and partners supplying the busiest and best tourist destinations on the Spanish coast from Huelva to Barcelona, Portugal’s Algarve, the Balearics and the Canary Islands.
Robert Van Barneveld, managing director of Europ Foods, said: “The Country Range Group has been a driving force in wholesale these past few years so we’re excited to be part of the family. The Group’s clear vision, strategy, buying power and product portfolio will ensure we continue to improve as a business, grow and reach our ambitious targets in the years to come.”
Country Range Group Chairman Philip de Ternant added: “We are extremely proud that Europ Foods have taken the strategic decision to join our fabulous group and expand its product offering to their growing Spanish and Portuguese customer base. We all wish them continued success and look forward to supporting them every step on their journey.”
Read more: Country Valley Foods becomes latest member of Country Range Group
Head of marketing appointment
Elsewhere at the buying group, the company has Tracey Redfearn as its new head of marketing (Interim). She will be working alongside a well-established marketing team, bringing her experience to further enhance their ongoing campaigns and drive fresh, innovative strategies.
Redfearn, who recently left Unitas, said: “Joining the leadership team at CRG presents an exciting opportunity to leverage my previous experience while re-engaging with an exciting sector and some familiar member businesses. The group’s performance in 2024 highlights its commitment to delivering enhanced member benefits and driving continued growth. I’m looking forward to being part of these exciting times.”
