In a fast-paced, food-driven city like London, frozen food distribution is a cornerstone of countless operations from restaurants and takeaways to schools, hospitals, and hotels. But not all frozen food suppliers are created equal. Whether you’re seeking consistent deliveries, a wide range of stock, or specialised products like Halal or allergen-free foods, choosing the right distribution partner can directly impact your business’s success.
This guide dives into the top 10 frozen food distribution companies in London and goes far beyond just a list we’ll uncover insights that help you make smarter decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and future-proof your supply chain.
Who Are the Top 10 Frozen Food Distribution Companies in London?
1. Rushtons – “Fresh Thinking in Frozen Supply”
With decades of experience and a commitment to top-tier service, Rushtons has become a favourite among chefs and caterers across London. They stand out for offering not just frozen food, but a complete foodservice solution, including fruits, vegetables, and dry goods. Their frozen food range covers everything from classic British staples to modern plant-based options.
Rushtons combines personal customer service with efficient logistics, ensuring small businesses get the attention they deserve. Their deliveries are timely, and customers often commend the product consistency and smart packaging that reduces spoilage. A strong local reputation and a growing client base make them a go-to supplier for quality and trust.
Product Focus
Wide-ranging frozen food including ready meals, vegetables, meats, and desserts.
Ideal Use
Best suited for small to mid-sized hospitality businesses in London.
- Website: rushtonsgreengrocer.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0) 2076 228870
- Address: New Covent Garden Market Fruit & Vegetable Market, 111- 116, Block, A2 London SW8 5BH
- Email: orders@rushtonsgreengrocer.co.uk
Review
★★★★☆ – “Always reliable and friendly, with great frozen products and punctual delivery every time.”
2. Consort Frozen Foods – “Frozen Excellence Since 1975”
A trusted name in wholesale frozen food, Consort Frozen Foods brings over 40 years of experience to the UK foodservice sector. They offer a comprehensive product range, including frozen meats, seafood, vegetables, bakery goods, and ready meals. Their central London distribution hub allows for efficient, same-day delivery, making them ideal for businesses that require speed and freshness.
Consort is also known for its strict food safety standards and traceability systems. They serve a wide array of sectors including schools, healthcare, and restaurants and pride themselves on providing top-quality frozen food at competitive prices.
Core Offering
Bulk frozen ingredients and pre-cooked products for large-scale operations.
Target Market
Best choice for caterers and institutional buyers needing bulk supply.
- Website: consortfrozenfoods.co.uk
- Phone: 01444 870111
- Address: Unit F, Consort Way, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9TJ
- Email: sales@consortfrozenfoods.co.u
Review
★★★★☆ – “Great prices for bulk buying. We’ve never had an issue with delivery or quality.”
3. Hopwells – “Nationwide Supply, Local Service”
Hopwells is a leading independent frozen food distributor with a reputation for national scale and local attention. While headquartered in Nottingham, their London distribution network is fast and reliable. They stock over 3,000 frozen SKUs, covering meats, seafood, vegan products, pastries, and more. Hopwells offers full cold-chain traceability and environmentally conscious delivery options.
Their ability to support both large franchises and smaller independent shops makes them extremely versatile. Hopwells also provides extensive allergen information on their website and catalogues, helping businesses meet compliance standards.
Key Strength
Diverse, allergen-labelled frozen food catalogues with clear traceability.
Best Suited For
Chain restaurants and foodservice groups with high compliance needs.
- Website: hopwells.com
- Phone: 0115 929 1101
- Address: Glaisdale Drive, Bilborough, Nottinghamshire, NG8 4LU
- Email: info@hopwells.com
Review
★★★★☆ – “A very professional team with excellent communication and delivery performance.”
4. Bidfood London – “Your Food. Our Passion.”
Bidfood is one of the UK’s largest foodservice suppliers, and their London branch delivers daily to hundreds of businesses. Their frozen food catalogue is vast, covering mainstream and premium lines, from frozen fruits to fully prepped meals. Bidfood’s London warehouse uses smart technology to streamline ordering and stock control, helping clients manage supply efficiently.
Their standout features include dietary filters for vegan, Halal, and gluten-free, and they provide full nutritional data for every product. Bidfood is highly rated for customer support and logistics reliability, especially for high-volume operations.
Service Highlight
Smart logistics, food safety tracking, and diet-specific frozen products.
Recommended For
Large hotels, chains, and institutions needing a vast and varied supply.
- Website: bidfood.co.uk/london
- Phone: 01494 555900
- Address: 814 Tudor Estate, Abbey Road, London NW10 7UY
- Email: london@bidfood.co.uk
Review
★★★★☆ – “Huge range, super professional delivery team. Makes bulk ordering simple.”
5. Surya Foods – “Global Foods, Local Service”
Surya Foods is a leader in supplying ethnic and international frozen food products across London. With a focus on Asian, African, and Eastern European cuisines, they offer a specialised frozen range rarely found in mainstream wholesalers.
Their warehouse in Barking is well-equipped for both B2B and B2C needs. Surya is especially popular with ethnic supermarkets, takeaways, and restaurants serving niche communities. Their frozen product lines include dumplings, samosas, marinated meats, seafood, and ready meals. They are also known for competitive pricing on imported goods.
Distinct Edge
Ethnic and cultural frozen food specialisation with broad variety.
Tailored For
Restaurants and grocers focused on global cuisines and communities.
- Website: suryafoodsonline.com
- Phone: +44 20 3500 2057
- Address: Time House, Eastern Avenue West, Barking IG11 0AG
- Email: sales@suryafoodsonline.com
Review
★★★☆☆ – “Great selection of world foods, though delivery windows can vary.”
6. Holdsworth Foods – “Proud to Serve Great Food”
Holdsworth Foods has built a strong reputation by offering a personal approach to frozen food supply. They provide a range of classic and gourmet frozen products including vegetables, meats, fish, desserts, and breakfast items. What sets them apart is their family-run service model blended with national reach.
Their delivery fleet is modern and temperature-controlled, and the company focuses heavily on quality assurance and supplier vetting. Many of their clients are small independent cafes and caterers who appreciate Holdsworth’s flexibility and tailored service.
Unique Point
Blending local service values with large-scale distribution quality.
Favoured By
Independent foodservice businesses looking for dependable support.
- Website: holdsworthfoods.co.uk
- Phone: 01298 871435
- Address: The Mill, Manchester Road, Tideswell Derbyshire SK17 8LN
- Email: info@holdsworth-foods.co.uk
Review
★★★★☆ – “They know their customers by name and are always on point with delivery.”
7. A to Z Catering – “Catering to Every Taste”
A to Z Catering is a dynamic, London-based food supplier with a huge frozen product portfolio. Their online platform makes ordering seamless, especially for busy kitchen managers. They stock a wide range of frozen meats, desserts, breads, and international snacks, including Halal-certified products.
With over two decades in business, they’ve built a reputation for convenience and low prices. Their warehouse in East London services both corporate and independent clients, making them a flexible option for businesses of all sizes.
Primary Feature
Digitally driven service with fast order turnaround and Halal range.
Works Well For
Catering companies and fast-paced kitchens needing fast fulfilment.
- Website: atoz-catering.co.uk
- Phone: 020 8965 5555
- Address: A-Z House, 99–101 Brent Crescent, London NW10 7XR
- Email: info@atoz-catering.co.uk
Review
★★★★☆ – “Best for quick re-stocking. Their online system is a life-saver.”
8. Lakeside Food Group – “Fresh Frozen Delivered with Precision”
Lakeside Food Group is known for its commitment to delivering high-quality frozen goods backed by precise logistics. Their product range is expansive from frozen meats, poultry, and vegetables to prepared meals and bakery items. Lakeside takes a focused approach by tailoring its offerings to both small and large-scale hospitality businesses, including restaurants, schools, and catering firms.
Their operations are supported by a fleet of modern refrigerated vehicles and a dedicated customer support team that ensures smooth communication. They are praised for their transparency, order accuracy, and consistent stock availability.
Core Focus
Reliable cold-chain logistics with diverse frozen product selection.
Most Suitable For
Hospitality providers seeking consistent supply and responsive service.
- Website: lakesidefoods.co.uk
- Phone: 020 8569 5588
- Address: Unit 1B, Commerce Rd, Brentford TW8 8LE
- Email: sales@lakesidefoods.co.uk
Review
★★★★☆ – “Always receive exactly what we order. Their delivery drivers are professional and on time.”
9. First Choice Foodservice – “Supplying Quality, Delivering Trust”
First Choice Foodservice combines efficient frozen food distribution with personalised customer service. Though based slightly outside of London, they serve the city with reliable delivery routes that cover key commercial zones. They offer a wide range of frozen goods including meats, seafood, potato products, bakery items, and desserts.
What makes them stand out is their family-business ethos combined with scalable logistics, making them a great match for businesses that need attention to detail without sacrificing professionalism. Their team is known for going the extra mile to accommodate special requests.
Key Advantage
Blend of small-business customer care with broad-scale delivery capability.
Best Matched With
Cafés, pubs, and mid-size caterers looking for personal attention.
- Website: firstchoicefs.co.uk
- Phone: 01283 531 821
- Address: 4A Ryknild Trading Estate, Derby Road, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire DE14 1RZ
- Email: sales@firstchoicefs.co.uk
Review
★★★★☆ – “They always listen to our specific needs and the delivery team is brilliant. A supplier that actually cares.”
10. Runitcool – “Refrigerated Distribution with a Purpose”
Runitcool is more than just a frozen food supplier. it is a cold-chain distribution specialist that partners with major food brands and SMEs alike. While they don’t produce or package frozen goods themselves, they specialise in transporting frozen foods for others, making them an essential link in the supply chain.
Based in Croydon, their delivery network spans across London, and they offer custom refrigerated transport services for foodservice businesses, wholesalers, and manufacturers. If you’re a business that already sources your frozen products but needs dependable logistics, Runitcool is a standout solution.
Special Role
Cold-chain transport specialists offering delivery support for suppliers and retailers.
Perfect For
Food brands or businesses needing secure refrigerated delivery without warehousing.
- Website: runitcool.co.uk
- Phone: 0141 488 8570
- Address: Unit 7, Centrum Business Park Hagmill Road, Coatbridge, ML5 4GH
- Email: transport@runitcool.co.uk
Review
★★★☆☆ – “Very professional service. They helped us solve a logistics issue other couriers couldn’t.”
Why Do Many Businesses Struggle to Find Reliable Frozen Food Suppliers?
Despite the number of suppliers available, businesses in London often face recurring challenges that hinder their operations. One common issue is inconsistency in delivery. Missed or late deliveries can disrupt food prep cycles, affect customer service, and even lead to financial loss. This is particularly problematic in industries like hospitality or healthcare, where timing is critical.
Another key challenge is product inconsistency. Businesses often report that frozen meats, seafood, or bakery items vary in quality between orders a sign of poor supply chain control. Moreover, not all suppliers are transparent about their minimum order quantities or delivery restrictions, which can result in unexpected costs for smaller operators.
Without clear communication, ongoing support, and dependable logistics, even the best-looking supplier on paper can turn into a daily operational headache.
What Should You Look for When Partnering With a Frozen Food Distributor?
Partnering with the right frozen food supplier requires more than just comparing price lists. It starts with understanding the logistics behind the product. Cold chain compliance is essential. This means the supplier must maintain consistent temperatures from storage through delivery to avoid spoilage or contamination.
Equally important are certifications. Top suppliers will hold BRCGS, ISO 22000, or HACCP certifications that reflect their commitment to food safety. Another valuable indicator is how flexible they are with orders. Can they handle small, last-minute requests? Are you locked into rigid schedules or can they adapt to your needs?
Good customer service also makes a world of difference. Suppliers who provide dedicated account managers and responsive support teams are often more reliable during peak demand or emergency situations.
Trial orders, sample deliveries, and transparent contracts are effective ways to gauge if a distributor meets your business’s specific requirements before committing long term.
How Can You Save Costs While Working With Frozen Food Distribution Companies?
Controlling costs in foodservice is about more than getting the cheapest product it’s about reducing hidden expenses, waste, and inefficiencies over time.
One way to save is by ordering in larger quantities to take advantage of volume discounts. However, this only works if your storage capacity supports it. Coordinating fewer but larger deliveries can also reduce transportation costs, which are often baked into the pricing.
Another approach is choosing private-label or “own brand” products offered by many distributors. These items are usually just as good in quality as premium brands but come at significantly lower prices. Businesses that are flexible with their menus can also take advantage of discounted seasonal stock or surplus deals that distributors occasionally promote.
Sample Cost Comparison Table (Generic)
| Supplier Type | Avg. Price per Kg (Frozen Chicken) | Delivery Frequency | MOQ (Minimum Order) |
| National Wholesaler | £4.50 | 2–3x/week | £100–£150 |
| Local Distributor | £5.20 | Daily or On-Demand | £50–£80 |
| Specialist Supplier | £6.00+ | Weekly | £200+ |
By understanding how pricing structures work, businesses can strategically plan orders to reduce waste and increase profitability.
What Logistics and Technology Should a Modern Frozen Food Distributor Use?
Technology has transformed frozen food logistics. In the past, customers had to rely on fixed routes and manual ordering. Today’s top suppliers use systems that provide real-time delivery tracking, automated invoicing, and online stock management dashboards.
One of the most critical technologies in frozen food distribution is cold chain monitoring. Refrigerated vehicles must be equipped with temperature trackers to ensure products remain below -18°C throughout transport. Some distributors go further by offering customer access to temperature logs after delivery, offering transparency and trust.
Moreover, suppliers who use predictive analytics or AI-based ordering systems can anticipate customer needs and reduce stockouts. This is especially valuable for busy operations like restaurants and caterers that rely on just-in-time inventory.
Can Frozen Food Distributors Support Special Dietary Needs Like Halal, Vegan, or Gluten-Free?
The diversity of London’s population has significantly increased the demand for specialised frozen food products. A growing number of distributors now cater specifically to dietary requirements like Halal, Vegan, Vegetarian, Kosher, and Gluten-Free.
Leading suppliers ensure that these products are certified, clearly labelled, and stored separately to avoid cross-contamination. For example, Halal foods often require traceable supply chains and third-party verification, while allergen-free products must adhere to strict packaging and labelling guidelines.
Businesses that serve niche markets or health-conscious consumers benefit immensely from working with distributors who understand and stock products for these dietary needs.
How Can You Ensure Quality and Food Safety With Your Frozen Food Supplier?
Food safety is not just about hygiene. it’s about ensuring your customers receive consistent, safe products every time. This starts with knowing how your supplier handles storage, packaging, and delivery.
Cold chain integrity is fundamental. Products must remain frozen from storage to your door. If at any point during transit the temperature rises above the safe threshold, bacterial growth can begin, even if the food is later refrozen.
Check that your supplier has relevant certifications like BRCGS or ISO standards. Ask for copies of recent food safety audits or certificates. You can also monitor deliveries yourself by inspecting packaging integrity and temperature upon arrival.
Trustworthy distributors are transparent and proactive they’ll willingly share food safety practices and welcome questions about compliance.
How Are Sustainability and Innovation Changing the Frozen Food Distribution Industry?
Environmental concerns are reshaping how frozen food is transported and packaged. More London-based distributors are turning to electric delivery vans to reduce emissions in urban areas. Others are using biodegradable or recyclable packaging to limit waste.
Green warehousing is also on the rise. These facilities are designed with energy-efficient lighting and low-impact refrigeration systems that consume less electricity.
Innovation doesn’t stop at sustainability. Some distributors use AI and machine learning to predict order patterns, helping reduce overstock and food waste. Others offer smart inventory management tools for clients, improving stock rotation and reducing expired product issues.
These forward-thinking practices not only benefit the environment but also enhance the efficiency and profitability of the businesses they serve.
What Are Customers Really Saying About Frozen Food Distributors in London?
Google Reviews reveal a lot more than star ratings they tell stories. Many customers praise companies for their consistent punctuality, noting how deliveries arrive within the promised time windows even during high-demand periods.
Product quality also comes up often, with mentions of well-packaged items and reliable temperature control. Some reviewers highlight specific companies for their exceptional customer support, recounting how order errors were resolved swiftly and professionally.
Of course, not every review is glowing. Common complaints include unclear minimum order requirements, limited stock during peak seasons, or communication issues. These reviews help paint a real-world picture of what it’s like to work with each distributor something websites alone can’t provide.
Conclusion
London’s frozen food distribution industry is vast, but navigating it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the challenges, asking the right questions, and aligning with suppliers who share your business values, you can build a reliable, cost-effective, and scalable supply chain.
Whether you’re seeking flexibility, food safety, special dietary options, or green practices, the companies listed in this guide offer a solid starting point. Use these insights to assess your current partnerships or make a smarter choice going forward.
FAQs About Frozen Food Distribution Companies in London
What’s the best way to negotiate with frozen food distributors?
Negotiations work best when you understand your volume needs and show consistency. Long-term contracts and flexible payment terms can also be negotiated.
Can frozen food suppliers handle emergency or last-minute orders?
Yes, but only some offer this level of flexibility. It’s advisable to ask about cut-off times and additional charges for urgent deliveries.
Do these companies offer flexible minimum order quantities?
Many local distributors offer lower minimums, making them ideal for cafés, pubs, and smaller operations.
How can restaurants ensure product freshness upon delivery?
Conduct visual checks, record temperatures upon arrival, and store items immediately to maintain freshness.
Are there frozen food suppliers that specialise in specific cuisines?
Yes, certain suppliers focus on specific regional or ethnic cuisines. This can be a major advantage for niche or themed restaurants.
What happens if a delivery is delayed or arrives thawed?
Reputable suppliers will replace or refund affected stock. Always report issues immediately and provide documentation.
How do I switch from one frozen food supplier to another without disruption?
Overlap the transition period and run a few test orders with the new supplier before fully switching.