BIBBY DISTRIBUTION DELIVERS THE RIGHT BLEND FOR LAVAZZA
22 March 2013
Bibby Distribution has used its extensive expertise in the food sector to secure a prestigious new warehousing and distribution contract with Lavazza, Italy’s favourite coffee.
The deal, secured following a competitive tender, sees Bibby Distribution handle the food service side of Lavazza’s business in the UK; its fourth largest international market outside Italy, and one of the fastest growing. The contract will be based at Bibby Distribution’s British Retail Consortium (BRC), accredited multi-user warehouse in Stoke-on-Trent, with up to 160 individual orders being packed and distributed weekly.
Commenting on the appointment, a spokesperson for Lavazza says: “Bibby Distribution impressed us with their commitment to continued improvement. They made it clear from the outset that their initial plan for distribution was just a starting point; we sense a real passion and desire to work with us to further improve systems and processes.”
Key to securing the contract was Bibby Distribution’s experience in handling food products, and its ability to offer Lavazza full traceability of stock and an accurate delivery service. Order lead times have also been reduced from five to three days – backed up by maximum focus on presentation quality to customers.
The spokesperson adds: “Reducing lead times is one of the most important ways for us to improve our competitive edge. Bibby Distribution’s commitment to getting products to customers faster will improve customer satisfaction, whilst enabling a slight reduction in stock levels and increased flexibility. It gives us far greater control over deliveries.”
All orders are received electronically from the Lavazza IT system, directly into Bibby Distribution’s warehouse management system, removing the need to despatch or receive orders manually. This gives Lavazza full online stock visibility, with automated reports confirming orders and stock levels. Bibby has also nominated a dedicated member of its stock control team as a point of contact for Lavazza.
Kevin Brennan, Depot Manager at Bibby Distribution’s Meir Park facility in Stoke, says: “This is a prestige customer and one where we can really add value. It involves a lot more than simply storing, picking, packing and transporting goods; presentation to the end customer is crucial. Lavazza also made it clear that they expected a strategic-level supplier to support their growth, not in a tick-box way, but flexibly, innovatively and proactively. We are absolutely committed to delivering for them.”
In addition to transporting coffee, Bibby Distribution will handle a full range of complementary products, including biscuits, chocolates, branded crockery and promotional materials. Products are despatched to Lavazza’s several thousand food service customers, which includes chains, independent coffee shops, bars, restaurants and professional caterers.
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Notes to editors:
As one of the top ten logistics providers in the UK, Bibby Distribution exists to enable other companies to drive value from their supply chain activities. The company specialises in providing contract logistics, warehousing, distribution, systems integration and added value services to a wide range of customers.
Bibby Distribution operates from 105 locations across the UK, employs 2,500 people and manages 2 million ft² of warehousing space.
The majority of Bibby Distribution’s business is based on long-term partnerships. Its diverse capability also means it can share best practice across the various industry sectors it operates in, from Automotive to FMCG.
The company is part of the £1bn-turnover Liverpool-based Bibby Line Group, a 200 year old family owned business-to-business services specialist. It is involved in ship-owning and operation, shallow water accommodation, offshore oil and gas services, contract logistics, financial services, memorial parks, employment law, health & safety advisory services, specialist plant & equipment hire and retail.
www.bibbydist.co.uk
www.bibbygroup.co.uk
Further press information about Bibby Distribution:
James Keeler at Garnett Keeler PR on 020 8647 4467
LUIGI LAVAZZA S.p.A.
Founded in Turin in 1895 and owned by the Lavazza family for four generations, the company is now among the world’s largest coffee producers and leads the retail market in Italy with a market share of 48% (by value; source: Nielsen). Lavazza is present in more than 90 countries through many distributors and has production facilities not only in Italy, but also in India and Brazil. The company operates on both the Home and Away-from-Home markets (Food Service and Vending), as well as on the Coffee Shop market. In 2012, Lavazza reported revenues in excess of €1.3 billion. Lavazza has a workforce of nearly 4,000 throughout the world. Over the years, Lavazza has sponsored prestigious cultural, artistic and sports events of international relevance, such as Wimbledon tennis championships. It has also sponsored London Fashion Week for 11 years.
Further press information about Lavazza:
Léonie Gregory, or Fran Bailey at Focus PR on 020 3117 1800 or Lavazza-coffee@focuspr.co.uk
BDL/069/13
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