Blakemore Foodservice signs up to Country Range
AF Blakemore division joins foodservice group to grow business
Blakemore Foodservice has celebrated joining forces with a “like-minded business” after it announced it was becoming a member of the Country Range Group.
The foodservice business, which is a division of AF Blakemore, was a member of Unitas Wholesale, but decided to move under the Country Range umbrella as part of its ambition to grow to the next level.
Country Range, which is a Unitas member itself, will offer Blakemore Foodservice accessories to its exclusive range of 800 products and marketing initiatives, which includes the monthly Stir It Up magazine and promotional publication.
“Country Range is widely recognised as a trusted brand and we’re really excited to bring their range – which is developed exclusively for professional caterers – to our customers,” said Head of Blakemore Foodservice, Caoire Blakemore.
“The quality and depth of the CRG range is fantastic and it’s always being innovated to keep up with trends. It will be great to join forces with other like-minded businesses to grow our share in the marketplace and support other foodservice businesses in their growth too.”
Blakemore Foodservice’s operations includes a 69,000-foot distribution depot in Walsall, an 80,000-foot site in Wakefield, plus a network of distribution hubs that supply schools, local authorities, restaurant chains, pubs, the leisure industry and independent caterers.
The addition has welcomed by Country Range Managing Director Coral Rose, as the group’s membership grows to 13.
“The name AF Blakemore has been a sign of quality food and drink, plus incredible customers service, for the past century in the UK, so we’re delighted to welcome Blakemore Foodservice to the group,” said Rose.
“The Country Range Group and Blakemore already share so many values when it comes to integrity, innovation, a personal approach and the development of its people, so we’re excited for the future. Blakemore Foodservice will participate fully in all group purchasing and marketing initiatives.”
Despite the change in status within the Unitas membership, the buying group insisted it was happy with the news.
“Unitas Wholesale is delighted to continue its partnership with AF Blakemore as a key member of the group,” added Managing Director Darren Goldney.
“Historically, Blakemore Foodservice, was a member of Landmark Wholesale then Unitas, but as the shape of the business has evolved to also join Country Range Group. There is no change to the Blakemore wholesale and distribution divisions, which remain members of Unitas.”
A.F Blakemore Blakemore Foodservice Caoire Blakemore Coral Rose Country Range Country Range Group Darren Goldney Unitas Wholesale
