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BRAKES WINS NATIONAL WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR AT THE GROCER GOLD AWARDS

Posted on November 27, 2020January 9, 2026 by clare.twiss@brake.co.uk

Brakes, the leading UK foodservice wholesaler, has been named National Wholesaler of the Year at the 2020 Grocer Gold Awards. The award, presented at a virtual ceremony on Friday (13 November), adds to the widespread industry recognition for food and service Brakes has achieved this year, including being named Foodservice Operator of the Year for the second year running, at the Quality Food and Drink Awards.

The Grocer award takes a holistic look at a wholesaler’s business and it was awarded to Brakes as a result of the company’s all-round performance across its core focus areas of food, service and expertise.

It recognised Brakes’ ‘customer first’ strategy, which puts the customer at the heart of how it runs its business. This was based on a significant investment of around £300m by 2025 in infrastructure to enhance customer service and a renewed focus on food, particularly developing the business’ fresh offer. This strategy has seen customer satisfaction levels grow significantly, contributing to Brakes winning more than 40 awards for its food and its service in 2020 alone.

In addition, Brakes identified a number of areas where customers needed additional support. Key among these was CSR, where Brakes embarked on a market-leading campaign, which included removing hard-to-recycle black plastics, becoming the first wholesaler to sign up to the Plastics Pact and minimising waste, particularly food waste.

The company also launched an internal wellbeing programme, which encompassed mental, physical and financial health. The company has been widely praised for leading the way with its Mental Health programme, which it has extended through the COVID-19 pandemic to support colleagues. These activities helped the company deliver record colleague engagement scores across the business.

Hugo Mahoney, Brakes CEO, said: “Throughout a challenging year, Brakes colleagues have gone to extraordinary lengths to support one another, our customers and the community. Winning this award is testament to the huge steps forward we have made in the last couple of years. We have focused on innovation and invested in technology to help us service our customers more easily and efficiently, while never losing sight of our passion for food. Being recognised with this award is a tribute to the dedication and team spirit of Brakes colleagues across the country.”

XPO LOGISTICS GLOBAL OPERATIONS MANAGING HOLIDAY DEMAND WITH EXPANDED CAPACITY, AUTOMATION AND RECRUITMENT

Posted on November 27, 2020 by Hayley Mc Quade

XPO Logistics, a leading global provider of transport and logistics solutions, has made extensive preparations for what could be a record holiday shopping season in many of the 30 countries where it operates. The company’s investments in supporting its e-commerce, retail and manufacturing customers during peak seasonality include:

Expanded use of intelligent automation to enhance the speed, accuracy and safety of order fulfillment and reverse logistics processes, including the deployment of collaborative robots that work side-by-side with employees
A major recruitment effort aimed at filling over 25,000 job openings in the fourth quarter
Substantial logistics and freight capacity, including approximately 200 million square feet of warehouse space globally and access to integrated truckload, less-than-truckload, intermodal, last mile, managed transportation, expedite and global forwarding services
Home delivery and installation of heavy goods seven days a week, facilitated through the company’s last mile network, with proximity to approximately 90% of the US population and an industry-leading digital consumer experience
Real-time visibility and control of freight across transportation modes, with shipper and carrier functionality provided by the company’s XPO Connect™ proprietary digital freight platform

Troy Cooper, president of XPO Logistics, said, “One of the most important benefits we bring to supply chains is reliable access to consistent outcomes. This holiday season, e-commerce volumes have ramped up earlier than usual as people spend more time at home. Our technology will help our customers manage through new patterns in demand.”

E-fulfillment and last mile logistics

Prior to the holiday season, XPO was already managing a significant increase in e-commerce orders triggered by the onset of COVID-19, as consumers shifted to online buying from their homes. This behavior has continued after retail restrictions eased.

In North America, XPO provides order fulfillment through an extensive warehouse network, including its XPO Direct™ shared-space distribution centers. XPO is also the largest last mile logistics provider for the home delivery of appliances, exercise equipment, mattresses, furniture and other heavy goods – products that increasingly are being bought online. In Europe, where XPO has the largest platform for outsourced e-fulfilment, the company expects to prepare over 67 million e-commerce orders for distribution between mid-November and mid-January.

Intelligent automation and analytics

XPO’s customers and employees are being fully supported during this critical period by the company’s significant investments in advanced automation, robotics and machine learning. Employees at the company’s high-volume logistics sites are working with mobile robots that guide them to the correct storage area, validate the inventory picked, and transport the items to designated packing stations. XPO has found that productivity doubles, on average, when employees work with cobots.

The company’s proprietary analytics add another level of productivity to fulfillment operations. XPO Smart™ digital management tools utilize machine learning to optimize labor planning and position fast-moving SKUs, while predictive algorithms excel at demand forecasting. These capabilities deliver direct benefits to XPO’s customers in the form of cost reduction and efficiency. With labor management alone, XPO Smart is driving an average productivity improvement of at least 5% in its warehouses.

Thousands of available positions

XPO is actively recruiting to fill permanent, seasonal, full-time, part-time, hourly and salaried job openings in logistics, transportation and corporate operations. Applicants are encouraged to search available positions:

Job openings in North America

Job openings in Europe

XPO has continued to serve its customers and the public throughout 2020 by keeping supply chains operating safely. The company made extensive COVID-19 safety modifications to its work environments earlier this year and continues to protect the physical, emotional and financial health of its employees.

About XPO Logistics and XPO Logistics Europe

XPO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: XPO) is a top ten global logistics provider of cutting-edge supply chain solutions to the most successful companies in the world. The company operates as a highly integrated network of people, technology and physical assets in 30 countries, with 1,499 locations and approximately 97,000 employees. XPO uses its network to help more than 50,000 customers manage their goods most efficiently throughout their supply chains. The company’s corporate headquarters are in Greenwich, Connecticut, USA, and its European headquarters are in Lyon, France. XPO conducts the majority of its European operations through its subsidiary, XPO Logistics Europe, which trades under the stock symbol XPO on Euronext Paris – Isin FR0000052870.

europe.xpo.com

OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL INCREASES DISTRESS LOAD CAPACITY

Posted on November 27, 2020 by hayley.smith@oakland-international.com

Total supply chain solutions specialist, Oakland International, is increasing distress load capacity, laying on additional resource and space at its UK sites in Redditch, Corby, and Bardon to handle an anticipated increase in demand over the coming months.

Launched in 2002, Oakland’s distress load management (DLM) solution was the first registered and recognised service for inspecting and the sortation of consignments where product safety was potentially challenged through clandestine infiltration or other contamination issues and encompassed approved scientific methods for measuring surface contamination. BRC accredited and an EHO approved solution for same day or next day treatment of distress loads, the company typically recovers more than 85% of product and is trusted by major insurers because they can attend Oakland’s sites to witness the distress load management process in action and verify exact waste and consignment recovery levels.

Oakland International’s Lee Whiting Chief Operating Officer commented: “Brand owners and insurers are quite rightly very aware of the potential risks associated with stowaways damaging or contaminating stock in transit, and the approach of simply throwing away the whole consignment and then seeking to claim off insurers was commonplace and resulted in an ever increasing burden on insurers and hauliers with significant food waste, which otherwise would be fit for human consumption.

“By investing in a dedicated facility for distressed load management, which incorporates a CCTV monitored rework area as well as dedicated multi-temperature chambers, means we can store work in progress and in quarantine product.”

With the onset of Covid-19 Oakland installed a box sanitising tunnel which offers additional reassurances for brand owners and removes potential secondary risks of pandemic transfer via stock, with instant digital reports ensuring rapid information transfer flows to key stakeholders. Oakland’s DLM solution also works with and treats damaged loads, metal contamination, shot loads, temperature abuse and pest contamination such as flies as part of its service offering.

Added Lee: “Covid-19 hasn’t impacted demand for our DLM service but it is anticipated that Brexit will have a major impact depending on delays caused at ports which handle UK-bound traffic, and throughout the transition period into Q2 of 2021 before falling away as borders become more orderly and summer temperatures make the sea crossing more tempting.

“Commonly accepted risks of clandestine infiltration increase sharply when trucks are queuing or stationary near to the ports of loading. Delays in crossing times brought about by slower than normal border control checks and customs entries may result in increased numbers of clandestine activity, and with winter temperatures kicking in, the urge to use trucks rather than risk sea crossings is compelling.

“By offering a de-branding solution for brand owners it allows stock to be re-distributed through to discount wholesale, foodservice and foodbanks so that good quality food does not go to waste.”

A specialist in contract packing, storage, picking, food distribution and a brand development support provider for ambient, chilled and frozen food to the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK, Ireland and via their partner in Spain, Oakland is BRC AA accredited, a double Queen’s Award for Enterprise recipient for International Trade and Sustainable Development and they are working towards becoming the first carbon-neutral business within their sector.

RESEARCH REVEALS WHICH CLAIMS MOTIVATE CONSUMERS TO PURCHASE PRODUCTS

Posted on November 27, 2020 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Campden BRI has found that consumers pay more attention to on-pack claims related to nutrition, sustainability, ethical issues, ‘clean label’ and provenance than to sensory-based claims such as “great taste”. The findings, which were gained from 2,400 participants across three countries, also revealed that, overall, the success of a product’s claim differs depending on the type of product it is used on and the country in which it is promoted.

Sensory and consumer research scientist Marleen Chambault, who led the consumer study, said:

“In markets that are increasingly saturated and often very competitive, product claims can be a powerful marketing tool to highlight the unique selling point of a product. Despite this, there is currently little guidance to help food business operators identify which claims are most effective. This prompted us to gather data on which claims have the greatest impact on consumers for different product types which, in this study, included breakfast cereals, fish pies, fruit yoghurt and orange juice.”

A sensory claim is defined as ‘a statement about a product that highlights its advantages, sensory or perceptual attributes, or product changes or differences compared to other products in order to enhance its marketability’ and includes statements such as “the UK’s favourite”, “Great taste” and “Creamier than ever!”

The consumer study, which was carried out in the UK, France and Germany, required participants to either choose or rate the claim that they found most likely to motivate them to purchase a product.

Campden BRI’s scientists observed some common patterns across most products and countries tested. Generally, non-sensory claims, including nutritional claims, had the biggest influence on the consumer, followed by the non-comparative sensory claims, such as “simply delicious”, and comparative sensory claims, such as “the nation’s favourite”. More specifically, the team found the type of product determined the impact of the claim. This highlighted the need to choose a product’s claim on a case-by-case basis.

Chambault added:

“Our research emphasised that a claim that works for one product may not be equally successful for another. For example, from previous research we’ve found nutritional claims such as “high in fibre” to be the most impactful when motivating consumers to purchase a product such as a breakfast cereal. However, the results of this study suggest the sensory claim “with generous, delicious chunks of fish” was considered ‘highly motivating’ for a fish pie, while nutritional claims didn’t have much impact for this product. For orange juice, a product that’s considered quite natural, we found that clean label claims, including “no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives”, were most likely to influence consumers’ purchasing decisions.”

A specific claim that’s successful in one country may not be as impactful in another. Chambault continued:

“Cultural differences became clear to us as we analysed the study’s results. For example, for breakfast cereals we found French participants were 37% more likely to be motivated by an ‘organic’ claim than British participants, while for orange juice we found British participants were 12% less motivated by the claim “gently pasteurised” than German participants. So overall it seems there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to finding the right sensory claim for a product. Our research highlighted that a detailed understanding of the product category, social influences and cultural context are essential in ensuring that a sensory claim has relevance and meaning for the consumer.”

The results from the research will help food manufacturers think about the claims they’re currently using. With greater insight into the impact that different claims have on consumers, food business operators will be able to identify which claims they should use on their packaging to influence the consumer’s likelihood of purchasing their products.

IT’S CRUNCH TIME AS CRUNCHY TRAYBAKES ADDED TO CAPTAIN BIRDS EYE RANGE

Posted on November 27, 2020 by Pete.Johnson@birdseye.co.uk

Birds Eye is adding some crunch to mealtimes with its new Crunchy Traybake launches
The new range will include two variants; Garden Vegetables and Mediterranean Vegetables
The new launch will support the brand’s vision to increase the nation’s weekly consumption of fish to two portions, in line with NHS guidelines

Birds Eye is expanding its Captain Birds Eye range with the launch of Crunchy Traybakes, as the brand aims to drive penetration and growth for the Recipe Fish category. The traybakes will include MSC certified 100% fish fillet topped with whole vegetables, in a delicious sauce, finished with an added crunchy topping.

Annalisa Fanali, Fish General Marketing Manager at Birds Eye, said: “Shoppers are increasingly conscious of including more fish and vegetables in their diet to improve their health and wellbeing. However, a barrier to this can often be the time it takes to achieve a great tasting, balanced meal. Rich in Omega 3 the Crunchy Traybake range taps into wellbeing and convenience macro trends. We’re excited to not only help shoppers to add more fish to their diets, but also provide them with indulgent, real food that has quality at its heart.

“Our consumer taste testing has shown that this range has the potential to bring incremental shoppers to the category[1]. This would be a tremendous step to realising our vision of increasing the nation’s consumption of fish to twice a week. We hope great tasting and enticing products like this will inspire shoppers to add more fish to their diets, and drive category growth.

The Crunchy Traybake range will feature two SKUS, each containing 100% fish fillets and a sauce with chunks of vegetables, which contributes to the daily vegetable intake for consumers. The Garden Vegetables Traybake includes broccoli, sugar snap peas and spinach, while the Mediterranean Vegetables Traybake contains a collection of yellow, red and green peppers and tomatoes – both are topped with crumb to add extra crunch. Each pack contains two servings, and the trays are also recyclable as they’re made from paper, perfect for convenient cooking and recycling after use.

Like all products in the range, Birds Eye’s Crunchy Traybake range is 100% MSC will be rolling out to retailers from 28^th September with an RRP of £3*.

[1] Nielsen – internal report 06.09.19

THE BEST NEW SIDE OF PLATE/INGREDIENT RETAIL PRODUCT SHORTLIST SPONSORED BY EXXONMOBIL

Posted on November 25, 2020January 9, 2026 by Harry

Welcome to the announcement for the Best New Side of Plate/Ingredient Retail Product in the 2020 – 2021 British Frozen Food Awards sponsored by ExxonMobil

The First Shortlisted Company

Congratulations to the Jalfrezi Potato Rosti Baskets from the Specially Selected Range at Aldi. Our judging panels thought; the rosti baskets looked great and highly innovative, new and interesting and very full of flavour.

Julie Ashfield the Managing Director of Buying at Aldi comments; ““We are extremely proud that Aldi’s frozen food range has been shortlisted for nine categories at this year’s BFFF Awards. The frozen food category continues to be important to our customers and working together with the UK’s best suppliers, our Buying team has developed some incredible quality products at amazing prices to meet the ever-evolving needs of shoppers. We are honoured that this effort has been recognised by the British Frozen Food Federation.”

The Second Shortlisted Company

Congratulations to the Thai Potato Rosti Baskets from the Specially Selected Range at Aldi. Our judging panels thought the product had; crispy and crunchy, great concept and idea.

The Third Shortlisted Company

Congratulations to the Large Heart Shaped Yorkshire Puddings from Aunt Bessie’s. Our judging panels thought the product was; a nice idea for a romantic meal, nice and crispy and very good value for money.

Lauren Ward from the Aunt Bessie’s team comments; “We are delighted to have been shortlisted in the category for Best New Side of Plate/Ingredient for our Large Heart Shaped Yorkshires. Adding a Heart Shaped Yorkshire pudding to your roast dinner adds something extra special to the meal and really shows how much you care”

The Fourth Shortlisted Company

Congratulations to the Golden Savoury Rice Steam Bags from Iceland Foods. Our judging panels thought the product had; great texture, rice was cooked perfectly, a product with good flavour and colour.

Congratulations to all our shortlisted companies and commiseration to the rest of the category product entries. The BFFF look forward to announcing more category shortlists, they will be released once a week until early march 2021.

Thank you to our Category Sponsor ExxonMobil

‘ExxonMobil Chemical is one of the largest chemical companies in the world. The company holds leadership positions in some of the largest-volume and highest-growth commodity chemical products, as well as performance polymers. To learn more, visit https://www.exxonmobilchemical.com/en/products/polyethylene’

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