The foodservice division of wholesaler Kitwave has joined the buying alliance Country Range Group (CRG).
The Kitwave division is made up of four wholesalers – Millers Foodservice, M.J. Baker Foodservice, Total Foodservice and WestCountry Fruit Sales – which have a combined turnover of £126m. The businesses operate from eight depots across the UK, with a fleet of 200 delivery vehicles and a 96-strong sales force.
Kitwave follows Arthur David, Waterdene Foodservice, Brook Street Foodservice and Harlech Foodservice in joining CRG since the beginning of last year.
CRG noted that Kitwave would benefit from its buying power, analysis, data and insights, a three-tiered own-brand portfolio, and marketing campaigns and promotions.
CRG Chief Executive Martin Ward said: “On behalf of the Group and our members, I wish a warm welcome to the whole Kitwave team. The business has been built on hard work, great people and by providing the best customer service, so we’re confident they will be a great fit for our Group.”
Ben Maxted, Kitwave Group plc Chief Executive Officer, added: “We are delighted to be joining CRG at a time that we are strategically growing our own foodservice offering. The product portfolio, marketing support and shared knowledge will ensure we continue to improve our own offering and service in a sustainable way as we work closely to support our own valued customer base.”
In May, Kitwave reconfirmed its commitment to Unitas for its retail and on-trade businesses after revealing that it was preparing to move its foodservice operation out of the buying group.
NAM Implications:
- Strength in numbers…
- …a way of increasing buying muscle…
- …especially given the pressure on foodservice customers.
- Given that many companies will be forced to make similar moves…
- …it is vital that suppliers anticipate the inevitability and take steps to harmonise prices & terms…
- …before others do it on their behalf.
