The Wholesale Group (TWG) is delighted to announce that R D Johns, the £90 million turnover family-run foodservice wholesaler, based in Devon, has joined the buying group.
Founded in 1971 as a single butcher’s shop in Bishopsteignton, Devon, R D Johns has grown over more than 50 years into one of the fastest-growing independent food wholesalers in the South of England. Today, led by Managing Director, Andrew Lewis, the business operates from a purpose-built head office and depot in Kingsteignton, with further sites in Bath and Andover and dedicated butchery production site in Newton Abbot.
Remaining a family business is central to R D Johns’ identity, underpinning its investment in strong customer relationships and high service levels. The company stocks over 5,000 product lines across fresh, chilled, ambient, frozen, non-food and has its own award-winning butchery range.
Commenting on joining TWG, Andrew Lewis, Managing Director of R D Johns, said:
“Joining The Wholesale Group marks an incredibly positive and exciting step for our business. As a family business, we have always believed in building strong, long-term relationships, and we can see that same spirit of collaboration running through TWG. Membership opens up significant opportunities for us in own brand, giving our customers access to high-quality, competitively priced ranges, while also strengthening our access to leading branded products through the fantastic scale and supplier relationships the group provides. We are looking forward to growing our business further as part of this partnership.”
Coral Rose, Managing Director of The Wholesale Group, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome R D Johns into The Wholesale Group. They are a huge asset to the group – a progressive, collaborative wholesaler that shares our ambition to work together for mutual benefit. It is fitting that another family business is joining a family business buying group, and we are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for both R D Johns and the wider TWG membership.”
About R D Johns
A proud family-owned business built on generations of expertise, R D Johns combines traditional values with modern innovation. Serving professional kitchens across the South of England, we provide quality foodservice solutions, dependable delivery and specialist in-house Butchery and Fishmongery. Sourcing from trusted suppliers and our own farm, we bring together craftsmanship, quality products and exceptional service, with a commitment to consistency and provenance. Turnover stands at £90 million, with growth driven by organic expansion and acquisitions including W G Chaffins Foodservice (2017), Jones Food Solutions (2020), Gibbins Quality Meats (2022) and Cooper Foods (2025).
About The Wholesale Group
The Wholesale Group is the home of the independent wholesaler, a unique buying group representing independent businesses across retail and foodservice markets. In partnership with suppliers, The Wholesale Group supports its 241 members – who collectively serve nearly 350,000 customers across the UK – to drive sustainable and profitable growth.
Built on service with integrity, and led by technology, the Group brings together extensive head office expertise, award-winning own-brand products, tailored marketing solutions and competitive promotional activity from top brands. In addition, The Wholesale Group offers four own-brand ranges spanning eight product categories; CHEF Approved, CHEF Prestige, CORE Refreshments and CLEAN Solutions, created specifically for caterers.