Cash & Carry Management by Cash & Carry Management

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End-of-year high for DBC DBC Foodservice enjoyed a very strong Christmas, with total December sales up 8.8% compared with the previous corresponding month. Managing director Chris Horne (right) said there were increases across all customer types – independent catering, high street/profit sector, cost sector and contract distribution. One of the key drivers was the launch of DBC’s new frozen buffet party food and

desserts range, Food for Celebrations, introduced at the end of September. Horne told Cash & Carry Management: “We are extremely pleased with this growth, given the difficult economic climate and tough market trading conditions. “We also witnessed a shift in behaviour in the run-up to

Greater choice Following Birchall Foodservice’s recent takeover of Wrexham-based Willow Foods (Cash & Carry Management: October 2011), customers now have access to over 750 more food products. The additions, which include sandwich fillings, speciality breads, salads, meat products, juices and cakes, are made by such chilled food suppliers as Calder Foods, Village Bakery and Purity Drinks. Keith Horner, Birchall’s sales & buying director, said: “The acquisition has allowed us to massively expand our

dairy and chilled range and secure specialist sources of supply and expertise. “This means that both Birchall Foodservice and Willow Fresh Foods’ customers gain access to what is now one of the most comprehensive, next-day delivery, multi-temperature range of foods for caterers available in the north of England and Wales. “All product ranges, including non-food, are delivered on one vehicle, so helping to reduce the carbon footprint.” Tel: Birchall Foodservice (01707) 323421.

Red Tractor speeds up DBC Foodservice is expanding its range of Red Tractor quality assured products after totalling £600,000 of incremental sales for Red Tractor fresh meat in the past 20 weeks. Its commitment to the initiative comes a year after the appointment of Rob McFarlane as commercial director, meats.

The existing range includes Farmhouse Champion, a premium, British red meat brand; an EBLEX Quality Standard selection of beef and lamb; and Broadland Farms turkey. Lamb and more beef products, specifically for chefs and caterers, will follow. Tel: DBC Foodservice (01707) 323421.

• Cash & Carry Management • February 2012

Christmas, which saw a contraction in the traditional out-of-home party season, with functions being held primarily in December rather than the usual November through December period.” Horne added that sales were also up in October and November, but the main growth was in the last month of the year. “We are looking forward to an exciting year in 2012 with a number of high-profile additional catering opportunities for eating out-of-home, including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend and a summer packed with sporting events.” Tel: DBC Foodservice (01707) 323421.

Desserts Four gateaux have been added to the Country Range list of frozen desserts: Belgian Chocolate Truffle, Tarte Au Citron, Peach & Toffee Charlotte and Strawberry & Raspberry Gateau. Belgian Chocolate Truffle consists of layers of chocolate sponge, chocolate truffle and vanilla cream, and it is mirror-glazed; Tarte Au Citron is a ‘classical’ lemon tart made from lemon juice, egg, cream and sugar; Peach & Toffee Charlotte comprises toffee sponge, chocolate truffle, caramel icing and sweet peaches; and Strawberry & Raspberry Gateau has vanilla sponge, white chocolate and cream, with strawberry mousse. Tel: Country Range Group (0845) 519 6181.

Extended range 3663 is extending its ownbrand range, adding a further 100 lines to the existing 668. All will be available over the coming months, the final products being launched by the end of April. The newcomers feature main dishes such as lasagne verdi and curries, and desserts that include Chocolate Tart. Nicky Dixey, own-brand manager, said: “Every one has been through a rigorous testing process to ensure that it doesn’t just look good, but tastes good too.”

A number of products have undergone thorough testing through the Craft Guild of Chefs, which has given them its endorsement. An introductory offer price is being featured in 3663’s Marketplace brochure and the company’s ownbrand range is being included in the Safari loyalty programme. Tel: 3663 (0370) 3663 000.

Drinking drive SPAR UK has launched a responsible drinking campaign aimed at consumers, with accompanying point-ofsale material distributed through the retail network. The drive also features a commercial played on the symbol’s internal SPAR Live radio station to promote the ‘Do you know how many units are in your drink?’ message. Tel: SPAR UK 020-8426 3700.