- Blantyre-based wholesaler hungry for growth as it announces targets ahead of major milestone
- Dunns Food and Drinks have already increased headcount from 116 to 130 in the past year
- Dunns appoints its first ever female transport manager
- Growing business makes number of key senior hires to support growth plans
- Gender equality, diversity, and sustainability at the heart of future plans for 148-year-old family business
One of Scotland’s largest food and drinks wholesalers has announced ambitious growth targets ahead of its 150th anniversary.
Dunns Food and Drinks, which was founded by Joseph Dunn in 1875 and has remained family-owned and operated ever since, is targeting turnover of £50m by 2025.
Last year, the company achieved a turnover of 37.5m, and it is forecasting a 43m turnover this year (its year end is in September). Now, to achieve its 16 per cent growth target in two years’ time, the company is set to double down on food and increase its coverage across Scotland, with Aberdeen and its surrounding areas a particular focus.
Jim Rowan, managing director of Dunns Food and Drinks, said: “We are very proud of our history, but also very excited for our future. While we’ll continue to double down and invest in providing our customers, many of whom have been with us for generations, we are also focused on expanding our reach in a number of key areas, particularly in and around Aberdeen where we see huge opportunity for an independent Scottish wholesaler.
“With some key acquisitions, we have levelled up our drinks offering, while we also have major plans to continue to invest in our team, technology, sustainability and distribution.
“It’s been one challenge after another these last few years, but the hospitality sector has remained resilient. Scotland continues to have a strong appetite for great food and drink. We hope we’ve played a small part in that by continuing to offer the very best products as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.”
The firm has recently made a number of key senior hires, including Linda Queen as customer service manager, Mhairi Shaw Hawkins as drinks stock controller and category buyer, and Rosalind Gibson as group marketing manager. David Prow has been appointed as commercial director of Dunns Food and Drinks’ Alexander Wines division, which is headed up by new MD Nathan Rowan.
Now, the wholesaler plans to further expand its team of 116 to more than 130, with a major focus on its sales and buying departments.
The firm has also now appointed its first ever female transport manager. Taylor Jeffrey, who joined as a trainee admin assistant straight from school when she was 16 and is now in charge of Dunns’ biggest department, looking after the distribution team and the fleet.
Julie Dunn, the company’s operations director, said: “Traditionally, this was a very male dominated industry, and we are invested in providing opportunities that will increase gender equality and diversity. We also plan to continue to create opportunities for our team members to grow within the organisation.
“I’m extremely proud that this company, which has been in our family for 150 years, continues to have such a positive impact on Scotland’s hospitality sector and for the local community in Blantyre by providing jobs. The steps we’re taking now are to ensure Dunns continues to have this positive impact for the next 150 years.
“While our company and the sector has remained resilient, the climate we operate in is ever changing. We will continue to be dynamic in our approach to meet these challenges and opportunities.
“Our business has grown on the back of real behaviour change. 75% of our business is now online, whereas pre-Covid it was just 35%. We are seeing more out of town customers as hospitality appears to be less centralised in city centres.”
The company recently announced a £1.5m investment in a range of sustainability measures including a £1m CO2 freezer, solar panels, and a fleet of electric vehicles.
Founded in 1875 as a soft drinks firm, Dunns Food and Drinks has since grown to become one of Scotland’s leading delivery wholesalers with a remarkable portfolio of food, beers, wines and spirits from around the world, and supplying around 2,000 customers across Scotland.
For more information on Dunns Food and Drinks, visit their website.
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