Brakes, the UK’s leading foodservice wholesaler, has announced that it has become the first major wholesaler to introduce enhanced welfare standards for its own brand fresh primary chicken range.

 

The move, which was completed in January 2025, provides chicken with 20% more space to move around and perch, allowing them to express more natural behaviours. In addition, the birds now have more access to enrichments including straw bales, perching areas, items to peck at and more natural light.

 

Brakes currently sells more than 40 own brand fresh British chicken lines, all of which are produced in the UK under the Red Tractor scheme and will now be grown to the new standards, which reduce the stocking density from the industry standard 38kg/m to 30kg/m.

 

Paul Nieduszynski, CEO of Sysco GB, said: “We are delighted to announce the completion of our move to enhanced welfare chicken. The improvements we’ve introduced are a significant step forward, helping to set a new benchmark for bird welfare in our sector.

 

“We know that our customers and consumers care deeply about animal welfare, so we are pleased to be leading the wholesale sector in this area.”

 

At the same time as introducing the new standards, Brakes has worked with its suppliers to introduce an internal camera monitoring system on broiler chicken farms, which operates 24/7 and helps to ensure that the highest standards are maintained at all times.

 

Cold storage and blast freezing specialist Blue Cube has appointed experienced sales leader Mark Yates as its new Head of Sales to lead its ambitious growth plans.

With more than 35 years’ experience across engineering, operations and sales – both in the UK and internationally – Yates brings a wealth of expertise in sectors including food, pharmaceuticals, water and automotive. Most recently he spent three years as Sales and Marketing Director at fluid power business Thorite.

In his new role, Yates will lead Blue Cube’s bold growth strategy, strengthen key customer relationships and support the regional sales team.

Mark said: “It’s been clear to me from the outset that Blue Cube is a fantastic business with big ambitions, brilliant people and the best technology.

“Our equipment helps customers save money and maximise efficiency, which is more critical than ever. With rising energy and labour costs, we’re in a strong position to make a real difference to businesses across the UK.

“I see a huge opportunity for us to improve profitability and productivity for many more customers in multiple sectors and I’m really looking forward to being part of the team that makes that happen.”

He added: “The fact we’re also offering renewable technologies with our cold stores  and blast freezers  to further reduce carbon emissions demonstrates  our customers’ priorities are our priorities.”

Yates began his career with a five-year Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship before moving into senior roles at Compair UK, Bauer Kompressoren and Busch UK.

Blue Cube’s Managing Director Alan Hunt said: “Mark has exactly the right combination of expertise, leadership and passion for exceptional service.

“His energy and strategic mindset will be instrumental in driving our growth and I’m confident he’ll quickly make a significant, positive impact in our business.”

International ice cream company Froneri announces extension of longstanding partnership with Center Parcs as their branded ice cream partner. The new five-year deal will commence from January 2025.

Center Parcs, renowned for its family-friendly short breaks across the UK and Ireland, is the perfect setting for Froneri’s premium ice cream range. As part of the deal, Froneri’s leading brands will be available across the six UK and Ireland villages, including Sherwood Forest, Longleat Forest and Elveden Forest.

The carefully selected ice cream brands—Kelly’s of Cornwall, Cadbury, Oreo, Rowntree’s and Nuii—are aligned with the growing demand for convenient, handheld snacks. Guests can find these treats at key locations throughout the resorts.

Kelly’s of Cornwall, crafted with locally sourced whole cream and clotted cream, will be available at the resort’s parlours and in restaurants such as The Pancake House, Huck’s, Rajinda Pradesh, and the Sports Café.

Cadbury, a household name in ice cream, will offer popular treats like Dairy Milk Sticks, Crunchie Blast Sticks, and the iconic Flake 99 Cone across all Parc Markets.

Rowntree’s, the UK’s number one ice lolly brand, is an ideal choice for those enjoying the Subtropical Swimming Paradise or stopping by leisure kiosks.

Oreo ice cream, the fastest-growing brand in the ice cream category, taps into the snacking trend with its ice cream sandwiches available at multiple shops across the villages.

Nuii will satisfy guests looking for indulgent, adventurous flavours, inspired by far-off destinations, offering a premium ice cream experience for those seeking something special.

This partnership perfectly blends the magic of Center Parcs with Froneri’s premium ice cream offerings, ensuring a memorable treat for every guest.

“We couldn’t be more excited to extend our partnership with Center Parcs. Our commitment to bringing enjoyment to families of all ages has always been at the heart of what we do at Froneri, and the Center Parcs guests will once again, have access to the very best ice cream – an irresistible treat for every moment,” said Gareth Ropke – Froneri National Account Manager, HORECA & Leisure.

“I’m pleased to announce another extension to our partnership with Froneri. They are a long-standing partner to Center Parcs and our guests love the quality and variety they bring to our villages. I look forward to working with them and developing the range over the years,” said Martyn Smith – Center Parcs’ Head of Procurement.

 

A family team from total supply chain solutions provider and family business Oakland International has smashed their fundraising target after successfully completing the Warwick Half Marathon in support of Molly Ollys on Sunday, 2nd February, raising an impressive £1,620.

 

Running their socks off were Oakland International co-founder Dean Attwell, son and Molly Ollys ambassador Samuel, and Oakland finance manager and cousin Keith Davies.

 

Said Samuel: “Thank you to everyone for supporting us and we are absolutely thrilled to have raised £1,620 for Molly Ollys, such a wonderful charity that makes a huge difference to many young people and children living with life-threatening illnesses.”

 

Molly Ollys supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, helping with their emotional wellbeing. They grant wishes by providing gifts to individual children, donating their therapeutic toy ‘Olly The Brave’ and his storybooks, supporting bespoke projects such as funding a Paediatric Palliative Care Consultant, and furnishing the Magnolia House palliative care facility at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, among other initiatives.

 

Samuel added: “Our sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone for supporting us.”

This webinar explores how integrating modern technology can empower organisations to align their goals with profitability in food production.

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Company Shop Group, the UK’s leading and longest-standing redistributor and retailer of surplus products and part of the Biffa group, has appointed Chris Burns as its new Group Managing Director.

Chris will assume leadership of the business on Monday 3rd February, when he will begin work to increase Company Shop Group’s offering to the industry in supporting the UK to reduce waste, redistribute surplus and enable the circular economy through the wider Biffa group. He brings a wealth of retail experience, most recently as Board Member and Commercial Director at Jollyes, the UK’s fast-growing pet specialist retailer.

During his four and a half years at Jollyes, Chris played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion strategy, doubling its retail footprint to over 100 stores nationwide. His leadership was instrumental in revamping the customer offer, delivering market-beating performance and attracting new investment for future growth.

Prior to Jollyes, Chris held senior positions at several major UK retailers, including Trading Controller at Poundland and Head of FMCG at Wilko, as well as senior buying roles at Asda and Tesco.

Originally from Northern Ireland, Chris grew up in Omagh and attended Queen’s University Belfast where he studied Food Science. He currently lives in Yorkshire with his wife and two daughters.

Maxine Mayhew, Chief Operating Officer at Biffa, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Chris to Company Shop Group and the Biffa Group. His proven track record in retail leadership and commercial strategy aligns perfectly with our vision for the future. Biffa is committed to enabling a circular economy and delivering more sustainable solutions to help combat the UK’s waste challenge, and Company Shop Group plays a vital role in leading surplus redistribution and supporting us to deliver on our sustainability strategy. Chris’s extensive experience in driving business growth and enhancing customer propositions will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our position as the UK’s leading surplus redistributor.”

Chris added: “Company Shop Group is a brand that I’ve long admired, leading the charge in surplus solutions and continually investing in innovation to support the industry long-term. The organisation plays a vital role in the FMCG retail and manufacturing supply chain, helping manufacturers and retailers to solve their surplus challenges, while providing our members with quality products at discounted prices. I am thrilled to be taking the helm and I look forward to working with the team to further develop our offer and expand our impact for people, the planet and our stock partners.”

Company Shop Group handles surplus across all categories and in any format, from work-in-progress to finished products, providing financial, social and environmental returns. If you have surplus stock, contact the team now at companyshopgroup.co.uk.