Makro has shelved plans to install pick-up points in areas where it lacks a cash & carry, and has closed its two pilot sites.

The trial sites for Makro Drive in Milton Keynes and York were heralded by the company in September as "a UK first for Makro and the wholesale industry".

In February, five months into the trial, MD Hannes Floto said initial feedback had been "extremely positive" and that the company was watching developments closely.

But Makro confirmed this week that it had closed both sites last Wednesday and said it would now look instead to developing its delivered foodservice business. "Makro Drive was a trial to test a specific and unique concept," said a company spokeswoman. "We discovered that the concept works, but our customers also love the delivery service. So we've decided to suspend Makro Drive and focus on foodservice."

Makro was "currently exploring suitable alternatives" for the small number of people involved with the trial, she added.

Under the scheme, which allowed caterers to buy from Makro without having to travel outside their region, customers could place an order by noon and collect it the next day from a mini Makro site on DHL premises for cash & carry prices.

The mini sites enabled Makro to extend its geographical presence without opening new depots. Would-be customers in Milton Keynes, for example, would not have to travel to Leicester, the location of their nearest Makro C&C.

Industry insiders claimed the trial had been dropped because of low levels of demand.