the story behind
INGREDIENTS TO INSPIRE
From a humble potato to a modern foodservice partner.
It all started with a potato
1964
Ribble began in Longridge in 1964, when David Coulston started supplying potatoes from a small shed with a simple mission: deliver great product, reliably. It was a small operation built on hard work and close relationships – values that shaped the early Ribble journey.
A first breakthrough (1966–1967)
By 1966, Ribble expanded into Victoria Mill in Longridge, where David and Gwen Coulston and a team of around 20 staff hit their first major breakthrough. In 1967, Ribble was contacted to supply potatoes to Tesco, and later the Co-op—beginning a partnership that would last for around 20 years.
Laying the Foundations
A HOME FOR THE LONG TERM (1980 – 2022)
Ribble purchased Shay Lane in 1986, which remains our main site today. It gave us the space to invest, expand, and build the operational base that would support future growth.
In 1988, David and Gwen’s sons, Richard and Roger Coulston, joined the business and began running the shop on Berry Lane. Together, they led Ribble into its next phase—expanding the business into various industries, building a wider range of customers and a service-led approach.
In 2006, we built our prep facility – bringing more control, speed, and consistency to how we support professional kitchens.
In 2018, Ribble began a major site expansion, completed over two years, adding a new 25,000 sq ft warehouse. The goal was simple: improve flow, strengthen capability, and meet growing demand without compromising standards.
Modernising Ribble
A NEW CHAPTER (2018–PRESENT)
In 2022, James Coulston re-entered the business after six years in the corporate world living abroad, with a clear focus: modernise Ribble and build the next phase of growth. Since then, the business has undergone a full rebrand, strengthened key leadership roles, and introduced modern technology that improves efficiency for our team and our customers.
In 2023, we invested in a new bespoke, high-end prep room – boosting speed, consistency and the ability to deliver high-end cuts at scale.
TODAY AND TOMORROW
Today, Ribble has 200 staff and 75 vehicles, serving 1,000+ kitchens from our headquarters in Longridge, Lancashire. We deliver from the Scottish border down to the Cotswolds, and source across the UK, Europe and beyond, championing local suppliers and working with the seasons. Our focus is simple: supply the best quality products available, backed by the best service in foodservice.
Every great kitchen – and every great dish – starts with one thing: Ingredients to Inspire. That’s our mission today and as we take the company forward.
Today, we wanted a line that captures the ethos of Ribble. After years of working closely with chefs and building trusted relationships, one truth stands out:
