We’re excited to share some fantastic news — Dunsters Farm has officially welcomed Ralph Livesey, a well-established fresh produce wholesaler, into our business.
Based in Lancashire and founded back in 1920, Ralph Livesey started as a humble market stall in Preston and has grown into a trusted supplier with depots in both Preston and Bolton. Known for their fresh produce expertise and strong relationships with local growers, they’ve built a brilliant reputation with customers across education, hospitality, and retail.
This partnership is an important milestone for Dunsters Farm and brings together two businesses that share similar stories, values, and a deep connection to our communities.
“Bringing Ralph Livesey into the Dunsters Farm family is a significant step forward for us,” says Hannah Barlow, Managing Director at Dunsters Farm.
“Their reputation for high-quality fresh produce, customer loyalty, and regional knowledge is second to none.”
“What makes this especially exciting is how naturally our businesses fit together. Both of us started life in the North-West—Ralph Livesey with a market stall on Preston’s Flag Market, and Dunsters with my grandad’s milk round in Bury. We’ve both grown by listening to our customers and staying rooted in our communities.”
This new chapter also strengthens our fresh produce range and allows us to continue growing across the North and Midlands — while staying independent and community-focused.
“We’re proud to be a family-run business and to welcome another like-minded team into our fold — one that shares our passion for quality, sustainability, and local sourcing,” Hannah adds.
“It’s a reminder that regional specialists like us still have a strong role to play in the food world, even as the market changes.”
Andrew Christian, Managing Director at Ralph Livesey, shares the sentiment:
“This wasn’t just about finding a buyer — it was about finding the right fit. We’ve spent generations building trusted relationships, and Dunsters Farm truly shares our values. With their support, we can keep evolving and delivering for our customers, while staying true to who we are.”
We’re incredibly proud of this partnership and what it means for the future — two regional businesses, built on heritage and trust, coming together to offer even more to our customers.
Hannah concludes:
“This is an exciting step forward for both of us. Two regional businesses, built on trust and heritage coming together to offer even more to our customers — enhancing our range, especially in fresh produce.
In a rapidly consolidating market, this is the right move to stay true to our independent roots and keep feeding the North—for another century to come!”
