darren Haynes

Kerryfresh is planning to launch online later this year, as well as introduce new products and add new customers.

It follows an MBO of the direct-to-store business last month from Kerry Foods led by MD Darren Haynes.

Haynes said Kerryfresh - which delivers branded chilled and fresh products to 11,000 customers - was in the process of setting up a transactional website so customers could order online. It also plans to launch an app.

He added the company was preparing to introduce about 100 new products to its current 400-strong catalogue - including value ranges and more PMPs. New products include Yollies and long-life sandwiches from Snacksters. It also wants to take on new retailers. It currently delivers to independent convenience operators, as well as Poundland, Wilko and WH Smith.

Following the MBO, the company is now called Fresh to Store. Haynes said the Kerryfresh name would remain for the time being, but a branding change was planned for 2016. “This is an incredibly exciting time to be involved in fresh and chilled, with c-store sales set to grow exponentially over the next few years,” he added.