It also provided an opportunity to toast this year’s supplier and member awards winners, which “showcase the buying group’s diverse supply chain” and recognise the companies, brands and people driving innovation, quality and improving service.
Announced on the evening by host Parick Kielty, the four member awards went to:
- Best Brand Performance – Thomas Ridley Foodservice
- Best Own Brand Performance – Henderson Foodservice
- Telesales Focus Team of the Year – Birchall Foodservice
- Best Group Support – Thomas Ridley Foodservice
While this year’s Supplier Awards winners – all voted for by Country Range Group members - were as follows:
- Branded Supplier of the Year – Unilever Foodsolutions
- Frozen Supplier of the Year – Lamb Weston
- Own Brand supplier of the year – Delifrance
- Award for Marketing Excellence – Unilever Foodsolutions
- Award for Service Performance – Aimia Foods
- Award for Business Relationship - Lamb Weston
- Newcomer of the Year – F J Need
What’s more, to help meet the group’s aim of raising £25,000 for Hospitality Action, a charity auction and raffle generated £12,580 for the charity. Managing Director Coral Rose explained: “It’s been the Group’s most successful 12 months so we couldn’t ask for a better way to celebrate our 25th year and showcase how independent foodservice wholesalers can thrive. We wouldn’t have a business if it wasn’t for the people working in the hospitality sector, so we’re all delighted to be assisting Hospitality Action who provide support to the people who need it most.”
Citing improved marketing as the group’s biggest advancement, Rose added: “While the range and quality of our portfolio is always improving, it’s our marketing and customer service where we’ve made huge strides and are seeing the benefits.
“Sponsorship of the Student Chef Challenge, the group’s ‘Stir It Up’ magazine, extensive PR, social media and digital marketing are all making a huge difference in helping us communicate with customers, provide added value and drive new business.
“We also launched some ‘Food Solution’ initiatives this year aiming to showcase creative ideas and the profit potential of certain ingredients, trends or cuisines. Communicated across all media channels with recipe videos in particular helping to drive innovation and trial, the initiatives have helped focus product categories with burgers and Mexican see double digit growth.”