Ron Chalker (The Potato Man) LTD have established themselves as market leaders in the supply of fresh produce in the north of England. As well as being one of the main NHS approved suppliers, they are also one of the leading contractors of school meals in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Yorkshire and North Wales. The company are also a popular choice in the Pub/Bar and Restaurant industry.
With their large and varied group of suppliers they are able to deliver high end products as well as the more common, everyday products. Their on-site manufacturing of prepared vegetables means that their customers are able to cut down on preparation times in busy kitchens, whilst still maintaining their own high standards of food and service.
With fresh produce arriving daily, quality is always kept to a high standard, which is why the company has seen continuous growth over the last 10 years!
Established in the late 1950's, Ron Chalker (The Potato Man) LTD. is a family run company distributing foods to the catering trade from the 80,000sq feet warehouse situated in Rochdale, 10 miles northeast of Manchester City Centre. The company deliver quality foods via a fleet of 22 refrigerated vehicles, all of which are fitted with the latest technology in refrigerated storage. Over the last few years the company has grown rapidly, and have gathered a name for being one of the leading food suppliers to schools and the NHS in the North of England.
Where it all began...
The Origins of Ron Chalker ("The Potato Man") Ltd goes back nearly 60 years when Ron Chalker set up a small wholesaling business, with a strong emphasis on potatoes, operating in the Lancashire area. This business was particularly successful following the introduction of a van sales operation. Ron Chalker also purchased a small shop and before long this side of the business had expanded through demand for deliveries. Potatoes had always played a large part in shaping the company's trade and in 1966 Ron Chalker ("The Potato Man") Ltd was founded at Whitworth Road, Rochdale. Shortly after this, growing trade brought a move to larger premises in Stanhope Street which were subsequently amalgamated with premises at Heywood. The company is now in the 3rd generation. The former emphasis on fruit and vegetables wholesaling and gradually changed to refrigerated transport and storage of produce, including frozen, chilled and par fried chilled chips, salads and a broad range of fruit and vegetables. In line with this a rolling programme of investments in facilities has been carried out to place the company in the strong position it finds itself in today.