Gressingham, the UK game specialist best known for its Gressingham Duck products, has acquired London meat wholesaler JF Edwards (Smithfield).

It has set up Gressingham Smithfield, a new company within the group, to run the newly-acquired operation, which encompasses four shops on Smithfield Market in London and a butcher’s shop in Primrose Hill, also in the capital.

Financial details have not been disclosed for the deal, which gives Gressingham a foothold in the foodservice area.

It is Gressingham ‘s second deal in less than two months after the acquisition of Yorkshire Game in early June.

Gressingham said it has had a long association with Smithfield Market and suggested its latest acquisition is a natural fit to expand the group. 

“We see this as an exciting opportunity to grow the foodservice side of the business,” it said.

Gressingham co-owner and joint managing director William Buchanan said: “We see this as an excellent opportunity to grow the Gressingham business and provides the opportunity to diversify into new markets.”

Steve Barber has been appointed as managing director of JF Edwards and will be supported by John Reid, the managing director of foodservice business Reids of Norwich.

JF Edwards (Smithfield) was the subject of a management buyout in August 2011, having previously been a part of the Davies and Davies Holdings group.

It supplies a range of meat including beef, lamb, veal, mutton, rabbit, poultry, game and exotic produce.