Tates’ modern approach

Receiving the inaugural Re:fresh Convenience Retailer of the Year award was acknowledgement of not just one but three years of remarkable growth in the fresh produce business of Tates Ltd. With 206 Spar stores spread from the east coast of England to the west coast of Wales, Tates is the largest independent convenience store operator in the UK - but it is only since re-launching its fresh produce operation following a critical 2004 customer survey that the company has made its mark in the fresh category. Tony Leighton visited the Tates headquarters in Willenhall, West Midlands.