Fresh produce importer Capespan has scooped a prestigious Co-operative Award as the supplier looks to strengthen its position with the expanding retailer.
Capespan took home the Collaborative Supplier of the Year award in the Produce and Bakery category beating off stiff competition from the likes of Fyffes and Warburtons.
This is the second successive year the company has emerged victorious from the event, held at the Hilton Metropole in London earlier this month, after winning the Regional Fresh Produce Product of the Year award for its Scottish tomatoes last year.
Martin Dunnett, Capespan trading director, told freshinfo: “We work very closely with The Co-op and it’s good to have our work recognised and vindicated. The have some very good account managers and it does help us to develop our work.
“Their values fit with ours as they are very pro-local sourcing and have been stocking UK salad exclusively throughout the summer.
“For the second year running, we have organised in store events across the country the showcase The Co-operative Group British Tomato range. We sampled fruit, interacted with customers and gave away goodie bags, and ensured relevant PR coverage.”
“A lot of the ‘softer’ issues have been taken a step back from by other retailers but we are very pleased by The Co-op’s approach.”
Dunnett said it was good to be heralded in a time when The Co-operative is going through significant changes, following its takeover of Somerfield: “There is a real excitement about The Co-op business currently, through their expansion programme, and to be given this award at this time is very rewarding though obviously we do not take anything for granted.”
Capespan’s John Banks, David Robertson and Martin Dunnett received the award from Claire Taylor of England women’s cricket team on a star-studded night featuring an appearance by TV’s Chris Tarrant and entertainment from Rolf Harris.
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