A GERMAN wholesale giant has acquired a Cumbrian food service firm based in Embleton, near Cockermouth. 

METRO acquired Caterite on August 28 in a bid to expand its national delivery capabilities.

The firm states it aims to utilise "Caterite’s regional focus on the tourist-rich Lake District and adjacent regions". 

The Cumbrian firm employs around 200 people and serves over 2,000 independent customers throughout hotel, restaurant and cafe industries. 

The firm was formed in 1969 but has roots that date back to a mobile grocery shop in the Keswick area in 1947. 

According to METRO, Caterite's business generated revenues of £44m in 2023. 

Caterite offers a variety of fresh and frozen food, groceries, as well as beverages, all primarily delivered via a webshop.

The company uses a fleet of 70 multi-temperature trucks operating from three sites.

Caterite will initially continue to operate under the established brands and in its existing form. 

Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. 

Guillaume Deruyter, member of the management board of METRO AG, said: "We are delighted to welcome the successful food service specialist Caterite as another member of our international FSD family.

"In addition to their strong local roots, the employees and management also bring a high level of expertise in the delivery business, and we warmly welcome them.

"METRO sees the acquisition as an opportunity to grow in the attractive UK HoReCa market and to create synergies with Classic Fine Foods UK. This brings us closer to our strategic goal of successively expanding the share of delivery in total sales."