Over 20 fresh food suppliers to SPAR Supermarkets in the North of England came together for a day to network, share ideas and brainstorm opportunities for greater collaboration.

Insight sharing

During the meeting, held at James Hall & Co. Ltd’s SPAR Distribution Centre, there was a chance to share new ideas supported by insight into sector trends, innovation with deals and varieties on fresh lines in SPAR Supermarkets, as well as merchandising concepts being trialled in-store.

Suppliers heard about the seasonal ranges being implemented in SPAR Supermarkets across the North of England and the impact on sales performance. Other updates included store development examples from company-owned SPAR stores and from independent retailers.

Forward thinking

Wilf Whittle, Fresh Trading Manager at James Hall & Co. Ltd, said: “I have been wanting to host a day for our valued fresh food suppliers ever since the pandemic. It is a way of thanking them for their support through exceptionally challenging times and to share a vision of what we are trying to achieve as a business so that we are better aligned.

“We have a brilliant mix of suppliers who have supplied our business for varying lengths of time ranging from several decades to a few years while new growers’  produce was going into our stores in the same week.

“What everyone around the room shared was the common theme of being a family-owned business with similar values and ethos to ours. It is clear from feedback that suppliers got a lot out of the day, and we will look to replicate this annually going forward.”

Steven Kay, Commercial Director of Huntapac Produce Ltd at Tarleton, Lancashire, said: “It has been an excellent day. We want our customer numbers to grow, and the updates on future store openings, the backing produce within stores, and information on fast-growing areas are all music to our ears.”

Source: James Hall & Co. Ltd

Read more about SPAR UK

About SPAR UK

The United Kingdom became a SPAR member in 1956 when SPAR International granted a licence to utilise the SPAR brand to a group of independent wholesalers. There are five regional organisations in the UK, continually building the brand’s presence. A central office in London provides national marketing and buying services for the group. SPAR in the UK comprises independently owned and licensed retailers as well as company-owned stores.