The Cress Co makes three key appointments
Fine-food distributor Cress Co has created three new roles in its buying and marketing departments.
The wholesaler’s assistant buyer Steph Johnstone, who has been with Cress Co since 2016, is now heading up both ambient and seasonal categories.
Left to right: Lucy Paul, Erica Burnett and Steph Johnstone.
Nikki Castley, head buyer at Cress Co, explained: “Steph has previously managed our seasonal offer so is in a strong position to take this forward for the business. Steph will work closely with our supply base to ensure we offer commercial well-priced ranges that will take Cress to the next level.”
New at Cress Co is Erica Burnett, who joins as a buyer to look after the chilled category after six years of buying experience in the fast-moving world of retail fashion.
Castley commented: “We have seen a requirement for more convenience-led product ranges as shopping patterns shift from supermarkets to the independents, and we are continually sourcing and introducing new ranges that will fit the needs of our customers…Erica is very used to liaising with a whole range of suppliers and managing the critical path.”
Finally, taking on the newly-created role of marketing manager is Lucy Paul, who was previously marketing executive at JB Foods. She said: “Now is the perfect time for Cress Co to build and grow their digital presence after a busy 2020. I will be working on improving Cress Co’s website, customer experience, SEO and social media platforms.”
Founded in 2004, Cress Co distributes ambient and chilled speciality foods to independent retail customers, including delis, cafés, farm shops, garden centres, butchers, fishmongers, bars and hotels.
The company started with a small lock-up and a second-hand van, working with five or six Scottish fine food manufacturers who were looking for better distribution throughout Scotland. As the business grew, The Cress Co opened additional depots in Wetherby, Leighton Buzzard and most recently Telford, and it now offers national distribution.
Cress Co will shortly move from its existing 25,000 sq ft unit in Dunfermline to bigger premises nearby – a 78,000 sq ft former Palmer & Harvey warehouse.
