Jim Rowan, chairman, Dunns Food And Drinks is undertaking the Tanzania Cycle Challenge 2025 as part of the company’s 150th anniversary year, raising funds for MAG, AWARE Scotland and The Haven. Mr Rowan is pictured outside the firms Blantyre HQ on an exercise bike that staff at Dunns are using to cycle 150 miles for charity. (Photo credit: Story Shop)

Dunns Food and Drinks boss takes on Tanzania charity challenge to celebrate 150th anniversary

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AS Dunns Food and Drinks celebrates its 150th anniversary, the company’s chairman is marking the occasion not with a party – but by cycling hundreds of kilometres across rough African trails to raise funds for charity.

Jim Rowan, a long-standing leader of the family-owned wholesaler, will take on a gruelling 380 km ride through Tanzania next month in support of two local Scottish charity partners close to the company’s heart.

Departing on July 3, Rowan will raise money for AWARE Scotland, which supports young people through respite breaks and days out; and The Haven, a Lanarkshire-based organisation that helps individuals and families affected by life-limiting conditions.

The expedition will see Rowan join fellow riders from The Country Range Group for up to nine hours a day in the saddle under the Tanzanian sun. The route will pass through mountain trails, rural villages, and the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, ending at the Ngorongoro Crater National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes. 

Together, the team is raising vital funds for MAG (Mines Advisory Group) International, which clears landmines, cluster munitions and unexploded ordnance in former war zones. Rowan was also determined to make the challenge count closer to home by using the ‘Bikes Against Bombs’ ride to support Dunns’ long-standing charity partners in Scotland.

Jim, who has been with the company since 1989, 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. Ahead of its anniversary year, the business has outlined bold growth plans – but insists community and charitable work will remain central to its mission.

Managing Director Julie Dunn carries on the family name in Dunns Food and Drinks in the footsteps of her father, Christopher Dunn, her grandfather, William, and great-grandfather/company founder, Joseph Dunn. 

She commented: “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

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