Dunns Food and Drinks is marking its 150th anniversary this summer, and to commemorate the milestone, company Chairman Jim Rowan is taking on a 380km cycling challenge through Tanzania to raise funds for charity.
Rowan, who joined the family-owned wholesaler in 1989, will leave on 3 July to cycle alongside fellow riders from the Country Range Group. The route will take them through rural villages, mountain trails and the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, finishing at the Ngorongoro Crater National Park.
The group is raising money for MAG (Mines Advisory Group) International, which clears landmines, cluster munitions and unexploded ordnance in former war zones. Rowan is also fundraising for two Scottish charities supported by Dunns: AWARE Scotland, which provides respite breaks and days out for young people, and The Haven, a Lanarkshire-based organisation that supports individuals and families affected by life-limiting conditions.
Jim Rowan said, “Taking part in this challenge reflects the values we hold as a company. I wanted to mark the 150th milestone by doing something that makes a real difference to the lives of others.
“This will mark Bikes Against Bombs 10th ride, an initiative created by people in our industry to make a real difference.
“As a fourth-generation, family-owned business, we’ve been committed to fully participating within our communities. It’s a privilege to ride in support of these causes, and it’s been a privilege to spend so much of my working life as part of this company.
“It’s going to be incredibly tough, but it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’m hoping through the generosity of sponsors will make a meaningful impact to the two Dunns’ charities.”
Founded in 1875, Dunns is one of Scotland’s longest-established wholesalers, supplying food and drink to hospitality venues across the country. The business has ambitious growth plans for the year ahead, but insists community and charitable commitments remain central to its mission.
Managing Director Julie Dunn said, “The whole team is behind Jim and incredibly proud of what he’s doing. Charity and community have been central to Dunns since day one, and I couldn’t think of a better way to mark our 150th anniversary celebrations.
“But this is just the beginning, and we look forward to sharing more about our exciting plans to celebrate this big birthday.”
The ride takes place from July 3–11 and is expected to raise tens of thousands of pounds. Supporters can follow the journey and donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/tanzania-cycle-challenge-2025