Italian coffee-maker Lavazza has awarded a warehousing and distribution contract to Bibby Distribution to handle the food service side of its business in the UK.
The contract will be based at Bibby’s multi-user warehouse in Stoke-on-Trent, with up to 160 individual orders being packed and distributed weekly. Order lead times have been reduced from five to three days.
The UK its fourth largest international market outside Italy, and one of the fastest growing. “Reducing lead times is one of the most important ways for us to improve our competitive edge. Bibby Distribution’s commitment to getting products to customers faster will improve customer satisfaction, while enabling a slight reduction in stock levels and increased flexibility. It gives us far greater control over deliveries,” a Lavazza spokesperson said.
Orders are received electronically from the Lavazza IT system, directly into Bibby’s warehouse management system, removing the need to despatch or receive orders manually. This gives Lavazza full online stock visibility, with automated reports confirming orders and stock levels. Bibby has also nominated a dedicated member of its stock control team as a point of contact for Lavazza.
As well as coffee, Bibby will handle complementary products, including biscuits, chocolates, branded crockery and promotional materials. Products are despatched to Lavazza’s food service customers, which includes chains, independent coffee shops, bars, restaurants and professional caterers.
Kevin Brennan, depot manager at Bibby’s Meir Park site in Stoke, said: “Lavazza made it clear that they expected a strategic-level supplier to support their growth, not in a tick-box way, but flexibly, innovatively and proactively. We are absolutely committed to delivering for them.”
