Bidfood, one of the UK’s leading foodservice providers, has added another string to its bow with the announcement of another addition to its depot network in Durham. This latest estate development marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment in long-term infrastructure and network growth and is expected to start operating this summer.
Located off Drum Road in Chester le Street, County Durham, the purpose-built facility will serve as Bidfood’s new Northeast hub, consolidating operations currently run from Gateshead and enhancing Bidfood’s ability to support customers across the region.
The new depot boasts 86,098 sq. ft. and has been designed to support the complex requirements of modern foodservice logistics, featuring cold and chilled storage, alongside a large ambient warehouse. The site also includes a two storey office building, and extensive external yard space to support efficient distribution operations.
As part of Bidfood’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible development, the site has been designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, incorporating a range of low carbon design features. The development includes 50 cycle bays and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support more sustainable travel options for employees and visitors.
The Durham depot will play a key role in strengthening Bidfood’s regional logistics network while creating opportunities for local employment as the business continues to support its customers in the Northeast. Jon Mack, Business Unit Director, tells Wholesale Manager more about the depot and his goals for the business.
Can you tell us about the new Durham depot and its key features?
Our new Durham depot is a purpose-built, 86,000 sq. ft. temperature-controlled facility designed to meet the needs of our customers in the North East. It houses chilled and frozen storage alongside a large ambient warehouse, as well as office space and an extensive yard to support efficient distribution.
The site is also targeting a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating and incorporating a range of low-carbon design features. Overall, it represents a significant investment in our infrastructure, helping us improve efficiency and continue delivering a high level of service to customers.
What kind of customers will the depot serve, and what is its catchment area?
The depot will act as our regional hub for the Northeast, supporting customers across the region. This includes a broad mix of foodservice operators, from independent businesses through to larger multi-site and national customers across a variety of sectors including pubs, restaurants, healthcare and education.
What sort of product range will the depot carry?
Like all Bidfood depots, Durham will offer a comprehensive product range, with thousands of lines spanning ambient, chilled and frozen categories, as well as fresh produce, meat, fish, dairy and non-food catering supplies.
Are there plans for further depot expansion?
Yes, Durham forms part of our wider strategy to continue investing in and strengthening our national depot network. Alongside this development, work is already underway on a new and improved depot in Manchester, reflecting our long-term commitment to infrastructure and growth.
Can you give us a brief overview of Bidfood’s history?
Bidfood is one of the UK’s leading foodservice providers. The business has continued to grow its footprint across the UK, building a strong national network of 28 depots and developing a reputation as a trusted partner to foodservice operators across a wide range of sectors.
What drew the business into foodservice wholesaling?
At its core, Bidfood aims to support caterers with reliable access to quality products and services. Over time, that has evolved into a much broader offer, from insight and expertise through to digital tools and added-value support, all designed to help customers succeed in a competitive market.
What have been some of the biggest challenges for the sector in recent years?
The foodservice industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly around supply chain disruption, inflation and shifting customer demand. As a wholesaler, maintaining consistency of supply while continuing to deliver value has been a key priority, alongside staying agile enough to respond to changing market conditions.
What are your key goals for the business moving forward?
Our focus is on continuing to invest in our network and capabilities, so we are well positioned to support our customers’ long-term success. That includes infrastructure such as Durham, as well as ongoing investment in our product range, ESG strategy and service proposition. Ultimately, it’s about strengthening our position as a trusted partner to the foodservice industry.
How important is digital to your offering?
Digital plays a central role in our business. Our online platform, Bidfood Direct, allows customers to browse products and place orders quickly and efficiently, while also managing their accounts in one place. Alongside this, we continue to invest and keep abreast of new technology across our operations to improve efficiency and enhance the customer experience.
How has the foodservice industry evolved in recent years?
We have seen a real shift in customer needs, with a greater emphasis on value, flexibility and efficiency, particularly in response to cost pressures. There has also been growing demand for more sustainable products and operations.
As a result, we have evolved our offer, expanding product ranges, investing in infrastructure and providing more support and insight to help customers navigate an increasingly complex and challenging landscape.
What made you want to get into wholesaling?
I didn’t originally plan to move into wholesaling. My background was in hospitality, and I later moved into retail sales. When the opportunity came up to sell into the hospitality industry, it felt like a natural fit and a great opportunity. I joined the business in 1993 and have been here ever since.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a wholesaler?
Wholesaling presents more opportunities than challenges overall. There are always hurdles to overcome, but that is part of what makes the sector so engaging. For many people of my generation, the Covid pandemic would undoubtedly sit near the top of the list as one of the biggest challenges we have faced.
What are your goals for what you want to achieve with the business?
Opening new depots is always a key job and it’s important to ensure a smooth process, so my immediate goal is to get the Durham site operating exactly where it needs to be. The Northeast of England is a fantastic place to work, and having a depot that gives us the capacity and opportunity to grow and serve our customers in this region is incredibly exciting.
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