James Badger
James covered the wholesale, convenience and retail sectors for The Grocer
NewsParfetts sales hit record £634m in latest financial year
The wholesaler said the results had come after a year of investment into protecting retailer margins through an expanded promotional programme
NewsCook signs exclusive franchise agreement with Channel Islands Co-op
The deal will see the current Cook shop in St Peter Port be run by the CI Co-op, while maintaining its existing team
NewsCrown Commercial Service confirms Buying Better Food agreement
The new scheme will focus on an online portal, delivering a centralised option for purchasing food and drink to schools, hospitals and other public sector bodies
NewsLeon launches vegan aioli range into Costco
The business said the move would cater to those seeking larger format options, with each multipack including three 240ml jars
NewsUK loses 6,000 retail outlets in five years
It comes as the store vacancy rate continued to climb this year, with rising rents and increased competition putting pressure on small and independent businesses
NewsCastell Howell turnover grows by 48% following Covid recovery
Turnover for the financial year rose from £112m to £166m, following a successful post-pandemic recovery
NewsJJ Foodservice launches own brand professional cleaning range
JJ said the new range was suitable for use across all industries including restaurants, hotels, schools and healthcare facilities
NewsSysco launches three-tier own-brand range
The ‘Brands’ range includes a selection of products from basic everyday items to more premium ingredients
NewsKnoops appoints William Gordon-Harris as CEO after 78% growth this year
The business said Gordon-Harris would focus on growing the skillset of the organisation’s senior management team
NewsDunns Food & Drinks to expand workforce as it targets £50m turnover
The wholesaler said it planned to grow its team of 116 to more than 130
NewsDX opens new depot in Deeside
The new site will serve the group’s parcels operation, helping to provide tracked deliveries to both businesses and consumers
NewsTributes pour in following death of former Unitas finance director John Schofield
Schofield played an important role in the merger of Landmark Wholesale and Today’s Group in 2018, which led to the creation of Unitas
NewsPioneer Foodservice makes major fleet investment after surge in turnover
The vans, which are all fitted with refrigeration, will help it to service customers across southern Scotland as well as north-west and north-east England
NewsBidfood releases customer guide ahead of single-use plastic ban
The wholesaler said the guide would help customers to source alternative products and promote recyclable plastics and their correct waste streams
NewsJTI appoints Tom Osborne as UK general manager
Osborne will head up the UK division of the tobacco company, having been with the business for 20 years in a number of senior positions internationally
NewsKitwave begins construction of 80,000 sq ft warehouse in south west
Construction of the new distribution centre, which is located two miles outside Newton Abbot, is expected to be completed by quarter three of 2024
NewsPricecheck export sales exceed pre-Brexit levels
The Sheffield-based business, which sells to more than 100 countries worldwide, achieved growth of 44% in export sales in the financial year to 30 April 2023
NewsParfetts admits to lagging behind the curve on vape sales
Parfetts joint MD Guy Swindell said the business was losing out on sales to local vape specialists
NewsBooker to offer licensed traders discounts via new On Trade Club
The new initiative will allow customers to purchase over 80 of the wholesaler’s most popular on-trade products at discounted prices
NewsBidfood CEO Andrew Selley hits back at Caterfood Buying Group critics
Bidfood is also looking to grow its depot network, with two further openings planned for Bedford and Worcester over the course of the next year