Pilgrim Foodservice to open Colchester satellite depot

Pilgrim Foodservice, of Boston, Lincolnshire, is set to open a new depot in Colchester this spring, enabling the family-run wholesaler to expand its operations across Essex, Suffolk and London.

At Colchester, two existing structures will be demolished, allowing for the construction of a new purpose-built warehouse.

The £3 million project includes demolition of two existing structures, allowing for the construction of a new purpose-built warehouse incorporating seven loading docks.

The new Colchester depot forms part of the company’s £11.5 million investment strategy, which also includes recruiting and developing its people, upgrading operating systems, and enhancing facilities at the company’s Boston site. The wholesaler is also renewing and expanding its fleet.

The new Colchester depot is expected to create over 20 jobs locally; these include a depot manager role as well as Class 2 HGV drivers.

Pilgrim Foodservice, a second-generation family business, was founded in 1979 by Peter Bateman. The company, now led by Peter’s son Charles, has grown to employ a team of over 330 and specialises in providing a diverse range of premium products, including fresh produce, prepared vegetables, essential pantry items, chilled and frozen goods, fresh fish, and fresh meat sourced from its in-house butchery business, CJ Butchers.

The company services independent restaurants, hotels, and cafés across East Anglia, the East and West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, as well as London.

Managing director Charles Bateman commented: “The opening of our first satellite depot marks another step forward for our growth plans. The addition of this depot will support our vision and ensure we continue to provide our customers with the finest products and first-class customer service.”

Published Date: February 29, 2024