Members of the BFFF Young Leaders Forum, accompanied by Rupert Ashby, Kathryn Tindall, Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary and Denise Rion from BFFF, were invited to visit Darégal Gourmet in Milly-la-Forêt, France, on 5 and 6 August 2025.

Darégal Gourmet is the world’s number one producer of frozen culinary herbs, with four factories, employing 500 employees, supplying three markets; food industry, food service and retail.

Martin McIlroy, managing director of Darégal, hosted the 2-day visit, ably assisted by members of the Darégal UK and France teams, including Stuart Mills and Kirsty Bell.

 

Seven young leaders made the trip and were treated to a packed itinerary which included a factory tour, presentations, a wonderful dinner and hotel stay, fresh v frozen tasting quiz and a field trip to see parsley being harvested.

On the second day, there was a working group, brain-storming ideas on how to promote frozen food more widely using social media platforms. Ideas generated will lead to a dedicated campaign.

 

Thank you to everyone who participated in this visit. It was incredibly interesting and insightful and, in addition, provided the perfect environment for group members to have professional conversations and make new contacts.

 

Being part of the YLF is a brilliant opportunity to connect across the frozen food sector, working together and learning from other young leaders in a wide range of sectors & positions. Being part of the YLF since the very beginning has been a rewarding experience. Gaining exposure to the different categories in the frozen food sector with each visit providing insights and building a greater understanding of the wider industry.

Over the course of the visits, I’ve seen first-hand the passion businesses have for quality frozen produce, innovation and driving added value. From our visit to Whitby seafood and the Aldi head office to our most recent trip to Darégal, each one has offered a unique perspective on how businesses across the sector are leading with purpose. Darégal  in particular stood out as a perfect example of a leading frozen business, showcasing a proactive people first approach and an impressive integrated supply chain following a field to plate approach. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility balanced automation with a strong commitment to quality, while the investment in nursery plant genetics highlighted the long-term thinking being applied to secure the next generation of growth.

Lewis Wantling. Chair of BFFF Young Leaders Forum.

 

If you are interested in joining the Young Leaders Forum, or would like to offer the Young Leaders Forum the opportunity to visit your site, please contact Kathryn Tindall: kathryntindall@bfff.co.uk

 

 

Paul Duncalf Director of Health, Safety, Training and Fleet Compliance at Sysco GB kindly hosted a session for BFFF members and local authority on their successful implementation of A.I technology in HGV cabs, this to reduce road risk. This technology has been instrumental in providing behavioural change and ultimately improving culture.

 

Before this technology existed looking at standard CCTV footage to improve driver behaviour was a challenge with over 2000 HGV’s in their fleet, this was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

 

Sysco have worked with partners Samsara to develop this system to the next level in providing live and accurate exceptions to normal driving behaviour. Since inception the company has seen the following benefits:

 

• 40% Reduction in road traffic incidents in first 3 months of implementation,
• Reduction in claims costs
• Drivers now regularly logging scores of over 90%,
• Live, in-cab coaching on driver behaviour
• Employee coaching within 24 hours.
• Live in-cab bridge warning which is specific to that vehicles height

We would like thanks Paul for this valuable and engaging session and sharing this best practice with our members. We would also like to thank all of our members who attended and supported this session.

The Pastry Room has announced the launch of an exciting new addition to its frozen desserts range – a delicious Gluten Free and Vegan Sticky Ginger Pudding. The product is supplied frozen pre-portioned in trays with a separate Ginger sauce available for Autumn/Winter menus.

 

This rich, warming pudding combines the comforting familiarity of sticky toffee with a punch of ginger spice – all while being gluten free.

 

Ginger has experienced a rise in popularity over recent years, with increased incorporation into functional foods and beverages. This follows a rise in demand from consumers for natural flavourings to replace artificial additives. ^{Source: Business Research Insights.}

 

Since its initial development, the Sticky Ginger Pudding has generated a significant buzz among chefs, with restaurant groups confirming listings for their upcoming seasonal menus.

 

“This is exactly the kind of innovation chefs are looking for – an indulgent, seasonal, gluten free, vegan, easy to serve dessert with a twist building on the popularity of Sticky Toffee Pudding. The flavour profile hits all the right notes for Autumn and Winter, and the feedback so far has been fantastic.”
— John Hendy, Managing Director

 

The pastry Room supplies Gluten Free and vegan mixes across pastry, coatings and desserts directly to professional kitchens, bakeries and food manufacturers.  Whether you’re refreshing your Autumn/Winter menu or looking to expand your gluten free offering, please call us to find out more.

 

For samples and product enquiries, please get in touch with our team today

Oakland International, a leading provider of total supply chain solutions, is celebrating a major milestone after its brand-new facility in Knottingley, West Yorkshire, has been awarded the coveted BRCGS ‘AA’ accreditation on its very first audit.

 

Group Supply Chain Certification & Compliance Manager Louise Smith commented: “This is a fantastic achievement for our Knottingley team. Securing an ‘AA’ grade right out of the gate is a testament to the passion, dedication, and hard work of every single colleague involved. It’s a proud moment for all of us.”

 

The BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standard) is internationally recognised as the gold standard for storage and distribution. Achieving this accreditation, especially at the highest ‘AA’ level, demonstrates Oakland International’s unwavering commitment to food safety, product quality, and legal compliance at every step of the supply chain.

 

Said Louise: “Food safety is absolutely critical in our industry. Achieving the BRCGS ‘AA’ grade not only validates our rigorous standards but also gives our customers and partners total confidence in the safety, quality, and integrity of their products while they’re in our care.”

 

Oakland International stands out as one of the first in its sector to secure BRCGS accreditation across all its depots in the UK and Ireland with AA grades, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner for businesses that demand the very best in supply chain management.

 

Louise added: “Earning BRCGS ‘AA’ rating at Knottingley is more than just a certificate on the wall, it’s a clear signal to our customers and supply chain partners that Oakland International is committed to excellence in every aspect of our operations.”

 

A Certified B Corporation, Oakland International is a total supply chain solutions provider and an expert in saving food and non-food products from going to waste via their distress load management service. The company aims to be the first business within its sector to reach net zero. As a specialist and leader in direct-to-consumer services, case consolidation, contract packing, storage and distribution, food tempering, and brand development support for all types of food, Oakland International serves markets across the UK and Ireland.

 

Christmas has come early at Bidfood – and it’s bigger, better, and more rewarding than ever before!

Bidfood, one of the UK’s leading foodservice providers, is making Christmas 2025 even more rewarding for its customers with an exciting lineup of festive offers, early-bird discounts, and the biggest Safari Rewards giveaway to date.

Designed to help operators maximise margins and stay ahead during the busy holiday period, this year’s campaign combines substantial early-order incentives, an extensive seasonal product range, and the biggest Safari Rewards prize draw ever held!

 

Pre-order now and save 10% off Christmas bestsellers

Customers placing their Christmas pre-orders before 24th October 2025 will benefit from an exclusive 10% discount on nearly 100 selected festive lines. Additionally, those who order a minimum of six different products and at least 15 cases from the qualifying range will receive a £50 promo code to use on future purchases.

 

Over 300 Christmas Deals running through November & December

In addition to the early-order incentives, Bidfood will be launching over 300 Christmas Deals throughout November and December, offering exceptional value across its full seasonal portfolio.

This comprehensive promotional push supports operators in delivering festive menus that are both commercially and creatively compelling.

 

Safari Rewards: record-breaking prize draw giveaway

To add extra excitement to the season, Bidfood’s customer loyalty programme, Safari Rewards, is rolling out its largest-ever prize draw giveaway. A total of 6 million Safari Points will be awarded, with 1 million points given to a single winner in each of six prize draws held across November and December.

To qualify, customers simply need to purchase any product from the Christmas Deals range during a qualifying period. All eligible free-trade Safari Rewards account holders will be automatically entered into the draw—one entry per account per draw, with the opportunity to qualify for all six.

Customers must have an activated Safari Rewards account and be part of the eligible free-trade group to participate.

 

Katie Sillars, Head of Commercial Growth Initiatives at Bidfood said:

“At Bidfood we know the pressures our customers face during the busy festive season and understand that margins are tight, and time is critical. That’s why, this year, we’re giving customers the chance to secure 10% savings right now, lock in their stock early, and get rewarded like never before.

“We are delighted to be able to provide some truly fantastic offers from right across the range, helping chefs and operators win this Christmas!”

 

Start saving this Christmas

Combined with its cost saving support, Bidfood’s Christmas 2025 campaign gives customers the tools, prices, and rewards to win big in one of the most important trading periods of the year.With a wide selection of seasonal lines, layered promotional incentives, and meaningful rewards, this Christmas will be one to remember for both operators and consumers.

To find out more, take a look through  Christmas Deals 2025 brochure

 

Sysco, the world’s leading foodservice supplier, has promoted Sysco GB Merchandising VP, Stuart Smith, to the role of Merchandising VP for Sysco Europe.

 

Having joined Brakes from Sainsbury’s more than 20 years ago, Smith has worked in a variety of executive leadership roles across the business, primarily leading Brakes’ product proposition. He later took on a broader role following Sysco’s acquisition of Brakes in 2016.

 

Since then, he has led merchandising teams across the Sysco GB business and also established a centralised merchandising function across Sysco’s European markets. In his new role, Smith will take responsibility for product and procurement across all of Sysco’s European operations.

 

Taking over responsibility for the British market will be David Cole, who is promoted to the role of Sysco GB Merchandising Director. This move will see Cole joining Sysco GB’s Executive Leadership Team.

 

Since joining Brakes as Category Merchandising Director in 2023, Cole has been responsible for a number of key initiatives, including the transformation of the organisation’s critical centre of plate meat proposition, and supporting with the acquisition of Campbells Prime Meats.

 

He brings extensive experience in own-label and branded business to his new role, having previously worked at 2 Sisters Food Group, M&S, Aldi and Kerry Foods.

 

Speaking about the changes, Sysco GB Chief Executive, Paul Nieduszynski, said: “Stuart has made a fantastic contribution to the growth and development of Sysco GB, leading a high performing team and ensuring that all our operating businesses are able to flourish.

 

“Stuart’s are big shoes to fill, but David has already demonstrated his value to the business. In a relatively short period of time, he’s completely transformed the meat category developing both the quality and breadth of the range and was a critical part of the team that handled the acquisition of Campbell’s Prime Meats.

 

“He has a particular strength for building collaborative relationships with Sysco, its suppliers and its customers, helping to create some fantastic success stories for the business.”

 

Magnavale launches a new dedicated Category 3 frozen storage facility at its Easton site in Lincolnshire, enhancing its capacity to store and handle products not intended for human consumption compliantly. With the recent completion of Magnavale’s 101,000-pallet high-bay frozen store, capacity is now available on site to reconfigure one of the existing frozen chambers to provide a stand-alone chamber for Category 3 frozen products. With the addition of handling capabilities for non-human consumption products Magnavale Easton is one of the most comprehensive cold chain hubs in the UK.

The new Category 3 facility meets the stringent hygiene, traceability, and regulatory standards required for the handling of animal by-products under UK and EU legislation. It adds significant flexibility and resilience to Magnavale’s national network of temperature-controlled storage and value-added services infrastructure.

In addition to frozen, chilled and ambient storage, the Easton site provides a comprehensive suite of integrated cold-chain services including contract packing, container processing, date coding, and blast freezing. These services are aimed at supporting food manufacturers and processors with complex, high-volume requirements.

Magnavale continues to regenerate the Easton site, underscoring the company’s continued commitment to sustainable operations and long-term investment in the UK food supply chain.