About AJ Webb & Son
AJ Webb & Son Sheffield is one of the largest independent importers, wholesalers and distributors of fresh produce in the UK. Based at the South Yorkshire Fresh Produce & Flower Centre, the business serves customers across Yorkshire, the Midlands, Humberside and Derbyshire.
Built on quality, reliability and value, AJ Webb has developed a strong reputation for supplying fresh produce with dependable service to a wide range of commercial customers.
Today, the company operates across three specialist divisions: Wholesale, Catering and Flowers, allowing customers to benefit from focused expertise as well as the flexibility of a trusted family-run business.
Three Specialist Divisions
AJ Webb & Son operates through three dedicated divisions, each designed to provide specialist service and support to different customer sectors.
Wholesale operates from 15,000 sq. ft. of warehousing, including 5,000 sq. ft. of refrigerated storage, supplying retail markets and independent outlets throughout Yorkshire and surrounding areas.
Catering is managed separately by an experienced foodservice team, delivering fresh produce to restaurants, hotels, schools, pubs and universities across a wide delivery radius.
Flowers complements the business by supplying fresh floral stock alongside the company’s produce operations, helping customers source quality and consistency from one trusted supplier.
Our History
The AJ Webb story began in 1948, when Arthur John Webb opened a small fresh produce retail outlet near the centre of Rotherham. From the beginning, the business built its reputation on fresh stock, value for money and strong customer service.
Daily visits to the Castlefolds Wholesale Market in Sheffield ensured the shop was always supplied with quality produce, helping establish Arthur as a respected figure within the local community.
As the post-war years progressed and the economy strengthened, the business continued to grow. With the introduction of his son Tony into the company, AJ Webb expanded into deliveries for schools, homes and workplace canteens serving the region’s steel and coal industries.
Present Day
Today, AJ Webb & Son continues to grow as one of the leading wholesale fresh produce distributors in South Yorkshire. By combining experience, strong supplier relationships and dependable service, the company helps businesses provide quality produce to their own customers at the highest possible standard.
With specialist Wholesale, Catering and Flowers divisions, AJ Webb supports a wide range of businesses with fresh stock, consistent service and the flexibility needed in a fast-moving industry.
The introduction of Online Ordering gives customers even greater convenience, allowing orders to be placed quickly and efficiently at any time of day or night. This 24/7 access helps customers manage their requirements more easily while continuing to benefit from the trusted support and service AJ Webb is known for.
2020
During the COVID-19 crisis, while much of the country slowed down, AJ Webb continued to expand its operations and invest in additional trucks and vans to meet increased demand for fresh produce.
The company’s dedicated team maintained daily deliveries throughout this challenging period, ensuring hospitals, care homes, market traders and retailers continued to receive the fresh produce they depended on.
Today, AJ Webb is recognised as one of the largest independent fresh produce suppliers in the North of England, while still maintaining the values of a family-run business where no order is too big or too small.
2019
Chris Webb became sole director of AJ Webb & Son (Sheffield) Ltd. As Managing Director, he continues to lead the business forward with planned growth, investment and expansion, supported by a highly experienced team.
2008
The Foodservice Division expanded through the acquisition of the well-known Sheffield business Smedley’s Catering Supplies. This strengthened the division and helped secure continued growth during the 2008 recession and the difficult economic period that followed.
2001
Following the closure of the Parkway Markets in Sheffield, both businesses joined forces at what is now the South Yorkshire Fresh Produce & Flower Centre.
AJ Webb & Son Sheffield invested more than £1.25 million in 20,000 sq. ft. of warehousing, a modern administration block, 5,000 sq. ft. of refrigeration, hand-held sales terminals and a purpose-built vehicle fleet to support the growing demand for reliable service.
1988
Tony’s two sons, Jon and Chris, joined the business. In 1995, while continuing their roles within Tony’s company, they opened Webb (Sheffield) Ltd within the Parkway Market.
1987
With more than 45 years of experience in the industry, Tony was awarded the Chevalier de Mérite Agricole by the French Government for services to agriculture.
Tony also played a major role in site development, security and management at the South Yorkshire Fresh Produce & Flower Centre, while continuing to lead the company’s extensive strawberry department.
1973
Tony moved to the Parkway Market in Sheffield to establish an importing and wholesale business. Over the next 25 years, the company grew on the same principles that had shaped the business from the beginning: freshness, value and service.
AJ Webb & Son Sheffield went on to become one of the North’s largest independent importers and distributors of fresh produce.