Restaurant operator, Tragus has appointed Bidvest Logistics to provide national distribution for its restaurants, including Café Rouge, Strada, Bella Italia and brasseries, Amalfi, Belgo, Huxleys, Ortega and Potters.
Tragus is one of the UK’s largest independently owned restaurant operators with almost 300 sites, serving over 21 million meals each year.
In 2010, Tragus took the decision to review its logistics operations and tender its future requirements. Davies & Robson was hired to prepare the ITT and manage the tender process, which covered evaluating contractor submissions, assistance with contractor selection and contract negotiations, and implementation support.
Bidvest won the tender and now operates Tragus’ network from two regional distribution centres, in Banbury and Oldham.
The round-the-clock logistics operation involves delivery of more than four million cases every year on a “day one for day three” basis.
Bidvest also holds selected stock, makes next day deliveries, manages the web catalogue of available products, receives electronic orders from the restaurants, places orders with suppliers, and manages order picking and delivery to restaurants.
The number of products is more than 1,000, including fresh, frozen and ambient food along with beers, wine and spirits. In addition to the usual seasonal peaks, the operation must also cope with menu changes and promotions.