Our History

The profile of Vin Sullivan's product range has developed over many years and is an extension of its origins at the shop in Abergavenny's High Street, which opened in 1960. Our history and reputation stem from our ability to be flexible, going that extra mile to satisfy customer's requirements, always searching for new and innovative ideas, mostly from small individual producers from the UK and abroad, not likely to be seen in any supermarket or cash and carry.

In the 1960's the majority of Vin Sullivan's customers were private households, restaurants were only frequented at high days and holidays. Indeed it was difficult to get even a packet of crisps in most public houses!

As peoples tastes changed, travel became easier and incomes grew, restaurant dining became adventurous and popular. Vin Sullivans added a delicatessen section to their basic fish and fruit and vegetable shop.

It became immediately successful and soon Vin Sullivan's vans were seen all over the country, supplying most of the top restaurants in the South West of England & Wales and the rest of Britain served by an overnight service provided by Nightstar.

A move to larger premises at Triley Mill followed in the 80's and then even larger premises in Blaenavon in the 90's - incorporating a small retail shop to satisfy local demand for fine fresh fish, exotic meats, farmhouse cheeses and speciality dry goods. Triley Mill was refurbished and operated as a game plant supplying most major supermarket chains until it was sold and finally Vin Sullivan's entire operation moved to Blaenavon.

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Food Hygiene

Vin Sullivan Foods is committed to supplying high quality, wholesome food to all of our customers.

We were one of the first inland wholesalers to gain the 'Seafish Processors Award' and the first in the UK to hold all three Seafish Quality Awards at the same time (EEC Approval Nº EC TJ006 UK) In addition, Vin Sullivan were the first company in Wales whose staff were awarded the City and Guilds Food Hygiene Certificate 7025 and were the first in the UK to receive five City and Guilds Fishmongers Certificates.

We have an extensive food safety and quality system in place and full HACCP. All staff are highly trained in food safety with food handlers and all supervisors trained to at least Levels 2 & 3 respectively.

Vin Sullivan Foods is licensed with our local authority with licence number TJ 006 FE.

Our food hygiene systems and factory processes are externally examined and audited by numerous external companies.

We currently hold the SALSA accreditation awarded by NB certification and have recently, September 2010, been awarded the EFSIS standard accreditation by SAI Global, both of these accreditation schemes help us to ensure that the food we provide is of the highest standard.