A.F. Blakemore & Son, one of the UK’s largest family-owned businesses, has become Marks & Spencer’s new wholesale partner or third party branded products.
The multi-year agreement will see Blakemore Food Solutions distribute a broad portfolio of premium branded products, delivering via M&S’s regional distribution centre network to more than 550 M&S stores nationwide.
With a seven-day delivery service and consolidated chilled and ambient supply, this partnership will improve product availability and increase operational efficiency.
Blakemore scooped the contract having impressed M&S with its experienced and driven management team, underpinned by more than 60 years of expertise in the wholesale distribution sector.
It won praise for its customer orientation, modern facilities, integrated supply chain systems and proven operational capability stood out during the tender process, demonstrating an ability to manage complex supply chains efficiently and the capability to deliver operational efficiency while supporting future growth.
M&S also recognised the company’s national distribution network, supplier relationships and commitment to service excellence as aligning closely with their own.
Carol Welch, CEO of A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, said, “At A.F. Blakemore we are committed to delivering consistent quality, agility, and service, and it’s a privilege to partner with M&S to help accelerate the growth of their Food business.
"This partnership reflects the advances made in our wholesale and food service capabilities and the significant investment in our infrastructure and product ranging.
"I want to take this opportunity to recognise the teams at A.F. Blakemore and M&S who have made this a smooth transition, and I look forward to building a strong, rewarding and high growth partnership.”
Alex Freudmann, Managing Director at M&S Food, said, "We are thrilled to be working with A.F Blakemore as our new, trusted wholesale partner.
"Blakemore will be providing an improved wholesale solution with a full seven days a week service that will increase availability for our store and customers.
"As we reshape our business for growth and focus on improving availability and efficiency, choosing the right, trusted partners who can deliver on that is key."