A.F. Blakemore & Son

What A.F. Blakemore & Son does

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd is a privately-held, family-owned UK food and drink group founded in 1917 and headquartered in Willenhall, West Midlands. It is the largest SPAR operator in the United Kingdom, operating 900+ community stores pre-Appleby Westward (rising to 1,000+ post-acquisition) across the Midlands, South East, Wales, and forthcoming South West, through a hybrid model combining company-operated retail, independent retailer partnerships, and wholesale distribution. The group also runs a B2B Food & Retail Solutions division supplying multi-temperature (ambient, chilled, frozen) food distribution to enterprise customers including Marston's (8-year contract to October 2033), Moto Hospitality, M&S Food, and EG On The Move forecourts, alongside a Blakemore Meats wholesale business sourcing beef, pork, lamb, and poultry from the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

The business is structured around four revenue streams: (i) company-operated SPAR retail (one-time/transactional sales through convenience stores and forecourts), (ii) Blakemore Trade Partners wholesale to independent SPAR retailers (transaction-fee model with overriders up to 6% and access to 750 own-label products), (iii) Food & Retail Solutions managed distribution services to hospitality and major retail customers, and (iv) Blakemore Meats wholesale trading. Underlying technology is operational rather than differentiated: a seven-depot multi-temperature distribution network, an electric HGV fleet (four vehicles, 185-mile range), BRC Issue 9 accredited meat cutting facilities, the Relex AI platform for supply chain forecasting and inventory optimisation, and a Zero Waste to Landfill recycling centre at Willenhall.

For FY25 (52 weeks to 27 April 2025), the group reported £1.08bn revenue, down 8.1% from £1.18bn, £18.5m underlying pre-exceptional EBITDA, £82m net assets, and 5,816 full-time colleagues across retail, wholesale, and foodservice. The company is family-controlled across three generations (Peter Blakemore as Chairman), led by CEO Carol Welch (appointed 2023), and has signed lender facilities of up to £80m through April 2028 to fund expansion.

Name

A.F. Blakemore & Son

Legal name

A.F. Blakemore and Son Ltd

Website

https://afblakemore.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1917

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

A.F. Blakemore & Son is a family-owned UK food and drink group, the largest SPAR operator in the country with 900+ convenience stores, B2B multi-temperature food distribution to hospitality and retail clients, a wholesale division serving independent SPAR retailers, and an international meat trading business.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Convenience Retail and Food Distribution

NAICS

Convenience Retailers (445131), Packaged Frozen Food Merchant Wholesalers (42442)

SIC

Retail-Convenience Stores (5412), Wholesale-Groceries & Related Products (5140)

akta.pro primary industry

Traditional Convenience Stores (C-Stores) (CRAHABAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts Wholesale (AFAIAHAC)

Keywords

• Convenience retail
• Wholesale distribution
• Foodservice supply
• Meat wholesale
• Symbol group retail

Headquarters

HQ city

Willenhall

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Retail Store Operations: Revenue from company-operated SPAR convenience stores across the UK, including forecourt locations
2. Wholesale Distribution: Wholesale supply to independent SPAR partner retailers through Blakemore Trade Partners, providing multi-temperature food distribution, own-label products, and commercial support
3. Food & Retail Solutions: B2B food distribution and supply chain services to major hospitality and retail brands including Marston's, Moto Hospitality, and M&S Food. Provides national multi-temperature distribution with service levels exceeding 99%
4. Blakemore Meats Wholesale: International meat trading and wholesale operation supplying quality beef, pork, lamb, and poultry to traders, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers, and butchers across UK and Europe

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

A.F. Blakemore operates the largest SPAR convenience retail network in the UK with 900+ stores across the Midlands, South East, Wales and newly expanded South West England. Beyond retail, it provides multi-temperature wholesale food distribution to independent SPAR retailers (Blakemore Trade Partners), B2B food supply chain services to major hospitality brands through Food & Retail Solutions, and international meat wholesale through Blakemore Meats.

Product overview

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd is a family-owned retail, wholesale, and distribution business operating since 1917. The company operates a multi-format portfolio anchored by the SPAR convenience retail brand (over 900 community stores), supported by its Blakemore Trade Partners wholesale division serving independent SPAR retailers. Food Solutions serves Education, Leisure, and Travel sectors through multi-temperature distribution. Own-label brands include County Bridge, County Bridge Kitchen, and Harriet's Bakery. Blakemore Meats provides meat wholesale and distribution. The company acquired Philpotts (prepared foods) and continues expanding its store estate through strategic acquisitions like Appleby Westward Group.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SPAR: Convenience retail chain operating across the Midlands, South East and Wales. The world's largest voluntary symbol group.
• Blakemore Meats
• Blakemore Trade Partners
• Philpotts
• County Bridge
• County Bridge Kitchen
• Harriet's Bakery
• Blakemore Foundation

Products and services

• SPAR Convenience Retail The SPAR convenience retail brand operated by A.F. Blakemore, serving over 900 communities through company-operated and independent partner stores offering grocery, fresh food, food-to-go and 750 own-label products.
• Blakemore Trade Partners (Wholesale Partnership Programme) Wholesale division supporting independent SPAR retailers with market-leading commercial structures, overriders up to 6%, format support, marketing assistance and access to 750 own-label products across multi-temperature categories.
• Food & Retail Solutions (B2B Food Distribution) Strategic B2B food distribution and supply chain services for major hospitality operators including Marston's (8-year contract to 2033), Moto Hospitality (3-year renewal to 2028), and M&S Food (strategic wholesale partner from August 2025). Provides national multi-temperature distribution with 99%+ service levels.
• Blakemore Meats International meat trading and wholesale operation supplying quality beef, pork, lamb and poultry to traders, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers and butchers across the UK and Europe. Operates a BRC Issue 9 accredited 30,000 sqft storage and cutting facility at Hilton Cross Business Park, Wolverhampton.
• Philpotts (Prepared Food Stores) Chain of prepared food stores acquired by A.F. Blakemore in 2019, specialising in freshly prepared foods and food-to-go offerings now integrated into the SPAR estate.
• Blakemore Partner Plus A.F. Blakemore's independent trade terms programme providing competitive pricing and market-leading rebates to retail partners.

Quantifiable outcome

• Service levels of 99%+ for hospitality distribution
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Appleby Westward GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2026AF Blakemore agreed to acquire SPAR retail and logistics assets in Southwest of England from Appleby Westward Group. Deal includes 71 company-operated stores, 130+ independent SPAR partner stores, and distribution operations at Saltash in Plymouth. Majority of AWG's retail and logistics colleagues will join AF Blakemore.
• Iceland FoodscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 May 2026Exclusive convenience retail partnership to expand Iceland's frozen food products into SPAR convenience stores. Three SPAR wholesalers including AF Blakemore support the collaboration which could increase stores stocking Iceland products from 320 to nearly 2,000 across England, Scotland, and Wales. Iceland exclusive brands including Slimming World, Harry Ramsden's, TGI Friday's, Myprotein, and Greggs included.
• CJ Lang & SonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 May 2026One of three SPAR UK wholesalers supporting Iceland Foods frozen food partnership. Partnership enables Iceland products to be rolled out across SPAR stores.
• James Hall & CominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 May 2026One of three SPAR UK wholesalers supporting Iceland Foods frozen food partnership. Partnership enables Iceland products to be rolled out across SPAR stores.
• Marston's PLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Long-standing strategic partnership renewed through new 8-year contract extending relationship until October 2033. Partnership began in 1997 when Marston's operated around 200 managed pubs, now supports approximately 700 managed and partnership pubs across 1,300+ estate. AF Blakemore provides national multi-temperature food distribution with 99%+ service levels.
• Hard Rock CocktailsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 March 2026Distribution partnership for ready-to-drink cocktail range including Passion Fruit Martini, Strawberry Daiquiri, Classic Mojito, Espresso Martini, and Piña Colada. Leverages AF Blakemore's multi-temperature delivery network to capitalize on RTD category's double-digit growth.
• Moto HospitalitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025Strategic partnership renewed through 3-year contract until 2028. Building on 8 years of successful collaboration providing bespoke multi-temperature national distribution across Moto's 77 sites in 53 locations. Shared values around sustainability including electric HGV integration.
• M&S FoodcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Strategic supply chain shift appointing AF Blakemore as primary wholesale partner for third party branded products. Part of M&S Food's Reshape for Growth strategy with distribution to begin August 2025.
• EG On The MovecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025New EGOTM partnership supporting over 80 petrol forecourt stores with SPAR brand. Partnership expected to deliver further growth as convenience retail expands on forecourts.
• MITIEminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2024Partner specializing in waste management collaborating with AF Blakemore's Recycling Centre operation in Willenhall. Ensures efficient waste processing aligned with environmental goals.
• Disability Sport WalesminorOthers · 1 January 2019SPAR community partner of insport series since 2019. Programme provides inclusive sporting opportunities for disabled adults and young people across Wales.
• Marie CurieminorOthers · 1 January 2017UK's leading end of life charity partnered with SPAR. Since partnership started in 2017, SPAR has raised £4 million. Partnership includes national campaigns, regional fundraising, and supplier collaborations.
• SPAR (Global)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1975AF Blakemore joined UK family favourite SPAR in 1975 and is now the largest SPAR operator in the UK. The partnership provides access to global brand (€39bn global sales), world largest voluntary symbol group, while independent retailers retain their independence with unique store formats meeting local community needs.
• Blakemore FoundationminorOthersCharitable trust established by the Blakemore family to support good causes across trading area. Offers monetary donations up to £200, in-kind donations, match-fund donations, and independent retail donations.

Scale indicators19 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• CJ Lang & Son (SPAR wholesaler): CJ Lang & Son is the SPAR wholesaler for Scotland and a fellow SPAR UK wholesaler alongside AF Blakemore and James Hall. Directly comparable as a regional SPAR symbol group wholesaler with similar multi-temperature distribution, own-label products, and independent retailer support model.
• James Hall & Co (SPAR wholesaler): James Hall & Co is a SPAR wholesaler serving the North of England, one of three SPAR UK wholesalers alongside AF Blakemore and CJ Lang & Son. Directly comparable as a fellow SPAR symbol group wholesaler with similar business model, customer base, and product range in the convenience retail channel.
• Booker Group (Tesco): Booker is the UK's largest foodservice and wholesale operator, supplying convenience retailers, pubs, restaurants, and caterers. It is directly comparable as a multi-temperature food wholesaler serving independent retailers and hospitality operators, though it is significantly larger and now part of Tesco.
• Bestway Wholesale: Bestway Wholesale is one of the UK's largest independent wholesale and food distribution businesses, supplying thousands of retailers, convenience stores, and foodservice operators. Directly comparable to AF Blakemore's Blakemore Trade Partners wholesale division serving independent SPAR retailers and B2B foodservice customers.
• Costcutter Supermarkets Group: Costcutter is a UK symbol group wholesaler serving independent convenience retailers through the Costcutter, Mace, and Kwiksave brands. Directly comparable to AF Blakemore's SPAR operation as a competing symbol group offering wholesale supply, own-label products, and retail support to independent convenience stores.
• Nisa Retail (Co-op Group): Nisa is a UK symbol group wholesaler supplying thousands of independent convenience retailers, now owned by the Co-op Group. Directly comparable to AF Blakemore's role as a symbol group wholesaler (SPAR), with similar business model of supplying independent stores via multi-temperature distribution.

Broad incumbents

• Co-op Food: Co-op Food operates one of the UK's largest convenience store networks (~2,500+ stores) and is also a major wholesale supplier through its acquisition of Nisa. Comparable as a broader convenience retail incumbent that competes with SPAR stores and now also operates in the wholesale channel.
• Morrisons (Wm Morrison Supermarkets): Morrisons is a major UK supermarket chain with significant foodservice and wholesale operations serving convenience, hospitality, and institutional customers. Comparable as a broader grocery incumbent that competes with SPAR convenience stores and provides wholesale supply to retailers and caterers.
• Bidfood UK: Bidfood is one of the UK's largest foodservice distributors, supplying caterers, pubs, restaurants, and hospitality operators with multi-temperature food products. Comparable to AF Blakemore's Food & Retail Solutions division as a competing B2B foodservice distributor serving hospitality customers.

Regional players

• Mace (Costcutter Group): Mace is a UK convenience symbol group now part of Costcutter Group, supplying independent retailers across the UK. Comparable as a competing symbol group brand with similar convenience retail format and wholesale supply model, though typically operating in different store locations than SPAR.

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AFBCommunity
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/a-f-blakemore-&-son-ltd

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about A.F. Blakemore & Son