HEADLINES THIS WEEK:

– BBF SECURES MULTI-MILLION-POUND CONTRACTS
– FÁILTE PRODUCE RELOCATES CLOSER TO HOME
– C&C/WHOLESALE A ‘KEY PART OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN’

BBF SECURES MULTI-MILLION-POUND CONTRACTS

Business valued at £2 million was secured last month by the fledgling Bestway Batleys Foodservice (BBF).

Nottingham NHS entrusted BBF to deliver drinks, snacks and confectionery to eight of its sites, while Burton NHS appointed the company to supply a wide range including confectionery, ambient catering and chilled foods to a large hospital with twice-weekly deliveries.

For Rotherham Council, BBF is delivering ambient catering, soft drinks, snacks and confectionery to 12 sites.

BBF senior contracts manager, Steve Irons, said: “Although we have immense buying power and an excellent logistical framework, we are still relatively new in the sector. These accounts were previously serviced by some of the biggest names in foodservice.”

Tel: Bestway Batleys Foodservice (01738) 646666.

FÁILTE PRODUCE RELOCATES CLOSER TO HOME

All three divisions of Fáilte Holdings are now located in close proximity in Glasgow following a 10-mile move by the group’s fruit and vegetable business, Fáilte Produce.

Representing an investment of £1.2 million, the fruit and vegetable supplier has relocated to a 20,000 sq ft site in Glasgow Fruit Market, giving it 5,000 sq ft more space than previously.

The new premises have fully automated handling systems for washing, grading, sorting and packing fresh vegetables and potatoes. The business, with a turnover of around £7 million, has also broadened its range of cuts and pack sizes.

Sister companies are Fáilte Food Service, with annual sales of £15 million and operating from 60,000 sq ft premises, and Fáilte Wholesale, with turnover approaching £3 million at its 8,000 sq ft site. All three, with total staff of 120, have access to a fleet of 60 vehicles.

Chief executive officer, Jim Cummiskey, said: “Increased demand for washed and prepared produce dictates our need for investment in new plant and facilities. With ever more stringent directives being placed on food preparation facilities, we are now at the forefront of Scotland’s prepared fresh produce sector.”

Fáilte’s customer base includes sole traders, the hospitality sector, local councils and contract caterers.

Tel: Fáilte Holdings 0141-559 5749.

C&C/WHOLESALE A ‘KEY PART OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN’

James Wharton MP described C&C/wholesale as “a key part of the supply chain” when he visited the Batleys depot in Stockton-on-Tees as part of an FWD initiative.

James Wharton MP

The Member for Stockton South met staff and customers at the branch, which supplies around 3,000 retail and foodservice businesses and has a staff of more than 100.

General manager Dave Bolam showed the MP around the site, accompanied by FWD chief executive James Bielby. Issues discussed included the illicit trade in alcohol and tobacco, and theft.

Bielby explained how his members support independent businesses and provide choice and value to consumers.

Wharton, whose constituency is home to several C&Cs, including Booker and Makro branches, said: “Wholesale distribution employs hundreds of people in Stockton South. It is important government understands the specific needs of this segment of the market and I was delighted to see first hand the excellent work at Batleys.”

Bielby said the MP’s visit was one of several such trips taking place in the months before next May’s General Election.

Tel: FWD (01323) 724952.