“We’re proud to build on the strong foundation Philip Pitman has created and remain fully committed to ongoing investment to support future growth.”
GM Marketing Limited, the Belfast-headquartered sales, marketing and distribution business, has acquired Pitman Berryhill in Lisburn. The move strengthens GM’s capability in the specialist food channel whilst creating new opportunities to build, develop and scale brands across the island of Ireland.
The acquisition gives GM Marketing a dedicated presence in specialist food – a key route to market for brand discovery – while enabling two-way growth: bringing Pitman Berryhill brands into GM Marketing’s established channels and introducing GM partner brands to Pitman Berryhill’s specialist network.
Gerard McAdorey, Founder and Managing Director of GM Marketing, said: “This is an exciting step that aligns strongly with our long-term vision. Our ambition is to expand our footprint in the specialist channel and, in doing so, create greater value and expertise for our existing brands while also attracting new partnerships. It works both ways – bringing Pitman brands into GM channels, and GM brands into the Pitman specialist network.”
Pictured (l to r) is Jonny Burnett, Sales Director, GM Marketing, Hazel Crozier, Marketing Manager, Pitman Berryhill, Gerard McAdorey, Managing Director, GM Marketing, Philip Pitman, Managing Director, Pitman Berryhill and Andrew Cambridge, Sales Manager, Pitman Berryhill.
Pitman Berryhill operates throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, supplying customers across mainstream grocery and specialist food – from major multiples to independent retailers and delis – with a long-standing focus on introducing, supporting and growing international specialist food brands in the Irish market.
Gerard McAdorey added: “We’re proud to build on the strong foundation Philip Pitman has created and remain fully committed to ongoing investment to support future growth. The specialist channel plays a critical role in brand discovery, with many brands gaining early traction here before moving into mainstream grocery and convenience.”
Philip Pitman, founder of Pitman Berryhill, who plans to retire at the end of 2026 and will support the transition over the next 12 months, said: “All current roles at Pitman Berryhill will be retained, with a clear intention to invest in the future growth of the business. The existing team will continue to lead day-to-day operations, with Andrew Cambridge continuing as Head of Sales and Hazel Crozier as Head of Operations.
“GM Marketing is a business I believe will bring further growth for the brands we work with. I’m confident this next chapter will strengthen what we’ve built, and I’m excited for the future.”
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