Palmer & Harvey McLane, the UK’s biggest wholesaler, is to close its alcohol distribution company Winerite. The business, which operates out of a single depot in Leeds, will close towards the end of next month, affecting 70 jobs.

The closure was part of the wholesaler’s ongoing strategic review to offer its customers a more local service, with more frequent deliveries, said a spokeswoman for P&H. P&H will now offer alcohol at all its 16 depots across the UK.

“A formal consultation was launched a few months ago, which has now completed,” the spokeswoman said, adding that there would be opportunities for Winerite staff at the WH & HM Young depot in Leeds, which P&H acquired in January.

Meanwhile, P&H has launched a Chilled and Fresh service. The service has increased the number of products in the chilled and fresh category delivered by P&H by 30%. Products can be delivered up to six days a week as part of the service.