Welcome to the Spring 2013 Wholesale Manager. Spring is here at last – the sun’s out, the snow’s stopped for now. Having gritted our teeth against the chill for the last three months, here’s to the weather warming and consumers relaxing, increasing sales for cash ‘n’ carries and delivered wholesalers.
In this issue we have stories from the industry and news from suppliers to help improve your performance, plus our latest update on the Warehouse, the motor driving every cash ‘n’ carry and delivered wholesale business. As our pages confirm, there’s no lack of equipment and solutions to help get the best performance in this crucial part of your operation.
As the weather warms, the other feel good factor is that in the next two months there are no less than four Bank Holidays – great news for Britain’s independent retailers, pubs and restaurants, and of course the wholesalers and cash ‘n’ carries who serve them. The Easter break runs from Friday 29th March to Monday 1st April. That’s two Bank Holidays. Then there’s the Early May Bank Holiday on Monday May 6th, and the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday 27th.
The great majority of food innovations are the brainchild of enthusiastic marketers with a good idea, who turn their attention to the nitty gritty of the supply chain and logistics last of all. So our lead story is unusual, the tale of logistics and supply chain consultants Logistic Partners who have been instrumental in launching new banana brand BanaBay into the UK wholesale market.
BanaBay bananas are produced by one of Ecuador’s leading producers, who exports bananas to the US and Asia under world famous brands such as Fresh Del Monte. Logistic Partners have teamed up with the producers to provide import services into the UK, including managing the shipping, ripening, refrigerated transportation, storage and distribution processes, and ensure the fruit gets through in perfect condition.
Traditionally the wholesale sector has lagged behind retail in its adoption of IT, but the signs are they’re catching up. As reported on our front page, over a fifth of pet products wholesaler Pedigree Wholesale Ltd’s orders have moved online since it implemented BCP’s Accord® Web Ordering system to offer customers more flexibility in ordering, increase loyalty and reduce the costs associated with handling orders. BCP is one of the UK’s top suppliers of specialist supply chain software to the wholesale industry, with clients including BWG, Musgrave, SPAR, Pets at Home, Fragrance Direct and ADM Londis. Expect other names to join that list as wholesale managers across the board use the latest IT to free up their time for more creative tasks.
James Surridge,
Publishing Editor
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