More than 550 people attended the event, including staff from the Dundee depot, independent retailers, company-owned store managers and suppliers.
The company was formed in 1919 when Charles J Lang purchased a food brokers business in Dundee. Over the next few decades the business prospered and expanded and in 1960, it joined VIVO Group Trading, later merging with SPAR UK in 1975. In 1993, SPAR Scotland was born when CJ Lang and Son Limited consolidated its position and acquired the SPAR franchise for the remainder of Scotland. Today, the company employs over 2,000 people, supports a huge number of local charities, and owns 120 SPAR stores in the region.
In 2018, CJ Lang and Son Limited appointed Colin McLean as CEO, introducing new initiatives to boost the profitability of the business.
In addition to the tradeshow and gala dinner, a host of activities will take place during 2019 to mark the 100th anniversary in SPAR stores around the country.
Source: SPAR UK
About SPAR UK
The United Kingdom (UK) became a member of SPAR in 1956 when a group of independent wholesalers obtained the SPAR licence from SPAR International. There are five regional partners with strategically placed Distribution Centres in each region. A Central Office located in London provides national Marketing and Buying services for the group and supports the development of the SPAR Brand in the UK.
SPAR has led the convenience market in the UK for many years but has faced increasing competition in recent times. Always innovative, SPAR Partners have continued to grow the brand. A combination of independently-owned licensed retailers and company-owned stores spanning forecourts, airports, train stations, city centres and local neighbourhoods can be found throughout the country.
