Food Chain - Issue 195 - August 2023 | Page 55

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ R D Johns
by the acquisition of a similar family-owned business , Jones Food Solutions , in 2020 , which strengthened the RDJ brand in the West Country , particularly around Bath , where it took over an existing depot .
Most recently , in 2022 , Gibbins Quality Meats of Exeter ( GQM ) joined the RDJ family .
Andrew approached Paul Gibbins back in 2019 and looked to acquire GQM .
Andrew admired what Paul had created over the years and could see that with the successful RDJ distribution network he could expand the butchery further than ever before and grow sales whilst also adding other product ranges to strengthen its position within the market .
Paul was adamant that Andrew and RDJ were the right people to take GQM to the next level and continue the family business respectfully .
Another factor leading to the company ’ s tremendous success is the flexibility of its operations . In 2020 , the business successfully adapted to the market conditions induced by the global Covid-19 pandemic . It not only introduced home delivery , but also supported care homes across the region by supplying them with essential provisions .
Consistent growth
It is clear that Andrew and his brother , Martin , have worked incredibly hard to develop the correct culture to succeed , and the hard work has paid off ; RDJ experienced a record year in 2022 , with 66 percent growth taking its annual turnover above £ 43 million .
However , with a vision of continuous growth , the hard work and focus continues . “ We began construction on our new , purpose-built headquarters in 2022 and we officially moved all our staff and stock
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