[ INDUSTRY NEWS ]
Third time lucky at Luton? Abra Wholesale, the Edmonton, north London, C&C wholesaler that opened a 55,000 sq ft branch in Luton at the end of July, has appointed its third general manager there. The original incumbent, Sean Purnell, formerly with Tesco for 11 years, left shortly after joining, having earlier been undecided about whether to take up the offer. His replacement, David Baker, whose long career in the C&C trade has included spells as a senior executive with Nurdin & Peacock, Booker and Bestway, has also quit, blaming the long daily travel to Luton for his decision. When Baker joined the Landmark Wholesale member earlier this year, it was as general manager of the
Edmonton unit, but he agreed to move to Luton when Purnell left. The newly appointed man in charge at Luton is Seliah Ranjan, a former general manager at Bestway Wholesale. Abra Wholesale has also
seen the departure of Mohammed Amjad Bashir, who joined as export manager just a few months ago (Cash & Carry Management: July). His replacement is Nishan Alan. a Abra Wholesale 020-8887 9303
Tobacco prices lowered Blakemore Wholesale has introduced a new tobacco pricing strategy for its cash & carry customers. The change, which was introduced late last month in eight of the 14 branches (Birmingham, Gateshead, Killingworth, Middlesbrough, Swansea, Wolverhampton, Cardiff and Walsall), features reductions on each site’s three top-selling tobacco lines.
Russell Grant, commercial director, said: “We have introduced this new tobacco pricing strategy after listening to customer feedback on ways that we can improve our offer and help maximise profit margins. “We believe the new scheme is simpler and more impactful than our existing price-match initiative and offers unbeatable value for money.
“The scheme has been devised to fit the trading profile of each depot.” Each participating C&C has also launched an ongoing deal offering customers a free 24 x 330ml case of Coke when they purchase 15 full cigarette outers. This replaces Blakemore Wholesale’s ‘Top Ten’ pricematch initiative at the depots affected by the change. All six other depots will continue with current pricing levels and maintain any existing free-stock deals. Referring to these nonparticipating C&Cs, communications officer Rachel Adams commented: “They have different competition and trading profiles to the other eight branches.” a Blakemore Wholesale (01902) 371515
Worthwhile meeting Deals worth more than £520,000 were concluded at the latest ‘Meet the Member’ event arranged by Fairway Foodservice and supported by 38 suppliers. Among the goods on show were 27 new frozen food items, while 11 ambient lines were added to the group’s own-label range, which now stands at around 600 products. This was the second such Fairway event this year. Together, the two shows generated income of more than £1.3 million. The next one will be held on 2-3 February 2016. Group chief executive Chris Binge said: “Our Meet the Member event is valuable for both members and suppliers, providing an excellent opportunity for them to get together and do business. The products that suppliers brought with them have all been well received.” Binge added that annual turnover of £556 million last year reflected an 11% increase on the previous 12 months. a Fairway Foodservice (01422) 319100
kff launch Four varieties of Perkier wholefood snack bars are being launched through foodservice wholesaler kff. They are: cashew, chia & pumpkin seed; goji & cranberry; cacao & cashew; and an oat bar with sprouted buckwheat, cranberry & cashew. They are supplied in cases of 18 and have an rsp of £1.29 per bar. a kff (01622) 612345
www.cashandcarrymanagement.co.uk
November 2015
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