Following the takeover of EFG Foodservice’s goods and services in 2022, Savona have now expanded further by acquiring Debono Foods, supplier of high-quality ingredients to top London restaurants.
Savona is becoming known for its meticulous acquisition process. Using modern technology, a faultless project management style and a customer centric approach, the strategy they have adopted results in exceptional customer and staff retention.
As part of the acquisition of Debono, Savona simultaneously merged two operations into one and completed a move to new premises in Beckton. Customer pricing and product availability remained consistent, as did their delivery driver and sales contact.
Mike Morgan, Managing Director, Savona Foodservice tells Wholesale Manager what the acquisition will mean for the business and why they are moving to Beckton.
Savona have acquired Debono Foods. What will Debono’s assets bring to Savona’s business?
Firstly, and most importantly, a solid team! Most of the operational team remain with us. They have been serving the Debono customer base for years and long may this continue.
Secondly, an additional range of more premium products, geared for the central London market. Naturally, this will evolve over time, but it is our intention to retain these key premium products.
Thirdly, and finally, a site to relocate to. We were in the process of acquiring new premises when the opportunity arose.
What are the advantages of the move to new premises in Beckton?
Being on the A13, we are on a main trunk road in/out of London. Also, we are close to our old site in Hackney, so were able to bring the two operations together and simultaneously retain every original member of staff. This kept us close to our customers to the point where they didn’t actually know we had moved.
What kind of clients does Savona serve?
We service all customer types, from fine dining, to cafes, schools, universities, leisure parks, care establishments and workplace catering. We specialise in serving independent customers and small groups, by offering a very personal and reliable service.
How can caterers order from Savona?
A variety of ways, from the traditional phone call to our online platform (which doubles as an App). The majority of our customers choose to order online due to the convenience it offers. In addition we are able to process orders from a variety of third party platforms.
How many products are in Savona’s range?
It varies by site, but approximately 5,000.
Do you run promotional programmes? How often do they run? How many products are included in the promotional programmes?
Yes, typically on a monthly basis via our customer publication Stir it Up. In addition we have ad-hoc offers both online and offline.
With inflation challenges being as they are, we continuously work with our suppliers to keep prices as low as they can be. Our own brand, Country Range, supports this, having recently launched a tiered product offering to suit various budgets and establishments. The range now consists of:
1. Country Range – already known for its quality and affordability
2. Country Range Signature – which has at least two marketable points of difference from our standard product range, including provenance and high-quality ingredients that catering professionals can use to enhance their menus.
We have also launched our own Catering Essentials range to support customers that need a value offering.
What geographical areas do you deliver to?
Right across Central, South East and South West England.
How much warehousing space do you have?
Across our 3 sites, about 110,000 sq ft, including ambient, chilled and frozen space.
Having reduced our carbon emissions by 26% between 2019 and 2022, we continue to challenge ourselves to take positive climate action. Our Oxford site now has solar panels installed, and we are currently reviewing if this is feasible at our Devon depot.
How many vehicles do you have in your fleet and are they multi-temperature vehicles?
We have c. 60 vehicles in a range of sizes from vans up to 18ton, all of which are multi-temperature. This includes groundbreaking dual-temp electric vans – the first in Europe, and are awaiting a 7.5t battery electric vehicle (BEV) later this year. 10 brand new vehicles are due later this year, with a further 10 due in January 2024.
Aligning with our sustainability strategy, we have also introduced Hybrid and Electric company cars and consolidated delivery routes.
How many staff do you employ?
We have a “people first” mindset in order to support and encourage our team of 220 staff. To harness and embrace ambition from within, we conduct a Leadership and Development training programme to further enhance the skills and knowledge of our loyal team.
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