Two industry heavyweights have teamed-up to launch a specialist food procurement support business for foodservice.
Arete Procurement Solutions is the creation of former Caterforce managing director, Nick Redford, and Warren Hamer, Sodexo’s global category director for protein. The new business will start trading on 1 March and offer support to foodservice businesses throughout the whole supply chain, with a complete multi-temperature solution.
The pair worked together at Makro before going their separate ways prior to the Booker takeover in 2013. Warren worked at Iceland and TGI Fridays prior to Sodexo, whilst Nick went on to manage Caterforce successfully for 10 years, before the pair decided to team up again with Arete.
Commenting on the launch Warren Hamer said: “Following a sustained period of food inflation, it is imperative that food businesses continually review their procurement process to ensure they are always getting best value. Nick and I have the knowledge, networks and know-how to ensure our clients are sourcing the best possible products at the most competitive prices”
Nick Redford added: “It’s an exciting time for the industry but succeeding in foodservice can be down to fine margins. Having an in-depth knowledge of procurement and supply chains will allow us to provide sound commercial solutions. Our team will be dedicated to ensuring our clients are equipped to deal with ever-changing business challenges.”
He added: “Our backgrounds complement each other perfectly to provide a total procurement solution that spans a full multi-temperature range of products.”
The business will specialise in providing several key services including on-going food procurement support, category strategy management, range management and own brand development across key categories. Arete will also advise clients on strategic issues such as adapting to major changes to the foodservice landscape.
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