BonCulina bolsters portfolio with purchase of dysphagia drinks initiative

BonCulina UK, a specialist in healthcare and care mealtime solutions, has agreed the acquisition of Refreshment System’s dysphagia-friendly drinks initiative into its product portfolio. 

The Fit project aims to support hydration for individuals with swallowing difficulties in healthcare settings. The solution has now been fully integrated into BonCulina’s Thick&Thin offering—an expanding offer of texture-modified drinks designed for patients and care home residents with dysphagia.

International foodservice brand BonCulina supplies chilled and frozen multi-portion and frozen plated meals, for healthcare, care homes, business & industry and defence in the UK. The business has added significantly to its production capacity and distribution fleet following the acquisition of Anglia Crown in May 2023.

Andy Jones, head of service development at BonCulina UK, commented: “We’re pleased to integrate this innovative solution into our Thick&Thin offering. It complements our mission to provide safe, consistent, and dignified mealtime solutions across healthcare and care environments. We look forward to building on the strong foundations laid by Refreshment Systems Ltd (RSL).”

The agreement includes equipment, ingredient stock, existing trials and associated sales. Both parties are working together to ensure a smooth transition for current customers.

Jill Edwards, project manager at RSL, added: “This marks a positive development for both organisations. Our focus has always been on providing technology-led solutions, and we’re proud of what we have achieved with the Fit project. BonCulina is well placed to take this forward, integrating it into a broader, specialist offering for the healthcare and care sectors.”

The acquisition reflects a shared commitment to supporting patients with complex nutritional needs, with BonCulina now positioned to offer an end-to-end dysphagia-friendly solution spanning meals and beverages.