Tates was named the Foods from Spain, Convenience Retailer of the Year for its impressive development of its fruit and vegetable section.
Part of the Spar Group, Tates relaunched its produce business in 2004 and has achieved year-on-year sales growth in its produce department of 15 per cent in the last 12 months, on the back of the previous year’s increases of 30 per cent and 14 per cent. This figure has been registered in the context of a marketplace that has recorded an annual growth rate of less than five per cent. Tates believes it suggests that the strategies and principles it laid down three years ago were sound and robust.
At the heart of the stores’ success remains an ongoing commitment to developing a “quality first” business culture, which manifests itself in many aspects of its offer, not least the work put in to develop long-term relationships with its supply base.
The last 12 months has seen the retailer overhaul other parts of its product offer, with further expansions to its ranges of prepared salads and vegetables, organics and snack fruit packs. Product labelling has been revamped to entice more consumers into the section, including the endorsement of the 5 A DAY campaign and participation in projects such as Bramley Week and Fairtrade Fortnight.
All of Tates’ suppliers have been actively involved in the Get Fresh consumer initiative and Tates own Fresh Start scheme, which is being expanded in 2007. In 2006, Tates was the only convenience retailer nominated as a Re:fresh Multiple Retailer of the Year finalist. Another exceptional year moves it into the winner’s enclosure. Stokes was also in the running for the award.
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