Spar Scotland opens up direct supply route

A new supply route link has been forged for fresh produce supplied to Spar Scotland.

Wholesaler CJ Lang & Son Ltd has started to supply its 400 Scottish Spar convenience stores from it Dundee depot.

Previously, deliveries were made direct-to-store by Total Produce.

The extensive range, which consists of around 100 lines of loose and pre-packed fresh produce, will change to suit the season and take advantage of many local growers in the Tayside area, according to Spar Scotland.

A good offering of fresh produce has been proven to attract shoppers, it added, which has is working to ensure that retailers compete better in the market.

The central distribution of fresh produce from CJ Lang & Son’s temperature-controlled depot in Dundee kicked off in April, with more than 5,000 cases supplied in the first week.

This allows more control over seasonal themes and promotions, according to Spar Scotland, and will increase shoppers’ perception of value within the fresh category, it added.

Retailers can order fresh fruit and vegetables through their current method - either electronic or telesales - and the stock, which is still sourced from Total Produce, is now delivered direct along with chilled SPAR orders.

All stores received a Fresh Produce Directory, which outlined the loose and pre-packed range of fruit and vegetables, before the launch. A live electronic version of the directory will be launched shortly.

A three-weekly stock and order document allows retailers to plan their offer.

Gordon Airth, fresh foods controller at CJ Lang & Son, said: “Central distribution of fresh produce delivers many tangible benefits to our Spar Scotland retailers.

“Significantly, with Total Produce incurring fewer distribution costs, the reduction in wholesale price allows savings to be passed to retailers. Increases in profit margins and more competitive retail prices are a major benefit, not to mention the advantage of having one delivery with one invoice for each chilled delivery. Busy retailers will have fewer orders, fewer delivery wagons at their store and less paperwork.”