PepsiCo announced its intention to establish the new service following Palmer and Harvey’s demise. Huseyin Tulpar, vice president, impulse sales at PepsiCo UK, said: “The wholesale market is experiencing a significant amount of change and our focus is to ensure that our customers’ needs are being met in the absence of the important direct-to-store service previously provided by P&H.

“By establishing our own van sales delivery operation, we can quickly replace that service and ensure our retail customers are getting the direct-to-store service and the continuity of supply they require. It is part of our longstanding commitment to the impulse market and to supporting local retailers.”

PepsiCo is recruiting for the new operation and will consider any experienced van sales representatives who would like to apply for roles.