Weekly news summary 3rd July 2015
HEADLINES THIS WEEK:
– SEVEN AWARDS FOR BRAKES’ FROZEN FOOD
– HOT DEALS FROM LANDMARK
BLAKEMORE TO MORE THAN DOUBLE SIZE OF WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION OPERATION
AF Blakemore & Son has unveiled plans to more than double the size of its wholesale distribution operation.
Blakemore Wholesale Distribution will utilise the scale, infrastructure and expertise of the wider Blakemore Group to achieve a significant expansion of both its customer and supplier base.
James Russell, who was appointed as managing director in January, said that he intends to win more business across multiple channels, including retail, catering, hospitality, wholesale and vending, as well as launching a new export side to the operation.
“We know that we can add value by providing integrated solutions across multiple sectors and believe that we can win new customers and increase the services that we provide to existing customers,” he said.
Blakemore Wholesale Distribution is a leading supplier in the vending market and also provides bespoke delivered wholesale solutions and a growing central distribution service.
Russell said: “Blakemore Wholesale Distribution services national contracts for high-profile accounts such as BP and Roadchef.
“We can also leverage the significant assets of the Blakemore Group, including our multi-temperature logistics infrastructure, which delivers to more than 960 SPAR stores, in addition to the insight and expertise that comes from being a leading retailer ourselves.
“It is my belief that our growth will come as a result of Blakemore being recognised as the better quality alternative to the large wholesale distribution companies operating within the marketplace.”
The business is also planning to distribute the speciality premium products supplied by Blakemore Fine Foods to the key growth regions of Asia and the Middle East.
Tel: AF Blakemore & Son (01902) 366066
BRAKES WINS SEVEN FROZEN FOOD AWARDS
Brakes stepped up to the rostrum seven times at the British Frozen Food Federation’s annual awards ceremony in London.
The wholesaler won gold for its individual Cherry Frangipane Tart in the best new desserts category and silver for King Crackle Crackling in the best new accompaniment potato/vegetable product section and for its Wood Fired Thin & Crispy Pizza Bases (10in) in the best new bakery/pastries product category.
Brakes also took also four bronze awards: La Boulangerie Peanut Butter Traycake and Spice Apple Cake (both in the best new bakery/pastries product sector); Hog Roast Pork, Apple & Sage Paté (best new starter/buffet/appetiser); and Naked Smoked Haddock & Salmon Melting Middle Fish Cake (best new main course/meal centre).
The company’s UK procurement director Stuart Smith said: “This is testament to the hard work that the business puts in to source the very best ingredients and develop fantastic products.”
Tel: Brakes Group (01233) 206000
BARBECUE DEALS FROM LANDMARK
Chris Doyle: ‘These fantastic promotions ensure that retailers can compete locally.’
In the latest of its ‘All You Need’ series of promotions, Landmark Wholesale is offering what it describes as ‘the top 12 best-selling products for a barbecue’.
The activity, which runs from 13 July to 1 August, features Carling, Fosters and Stella Artois lager, Dr Pepper, Ribena, Doritos, McCoy Flame Grill Steak snacks, Pimm’s, Echo Falls, Heinz Salad Cream, Heinz Tomato Ketchup and Strongbow cider.
Business development director of the Milton Keynes-based group Chris Doyle said that retailers would make £30 a case on every one of the items they purchased.
He added: “These fantastic promotions ensure that retailers can compete locally against the supermarkets and discounters.”
Tel: Landmark Wholesale (01908) 255300
Published Date: July 3, 2015
