Hampton Court was the scene for ‘An Evening with the Country Range Group’ on the 7th December as members, suppliers and guests celebrated an unforgettable 25th anniversary year and toasted the winners of the annual supplier and member awards.
The event was also an opportunity to support the Group’s aim to raise £25,000 for Hospitality Action with a charity auction and raffle helping boost the fund with £12,580 generated on the night.
Managing Director Coral Rose explained:
It’s been the Group’s most successful 12 months so we couldn’t ask for a better way to celebrate our 25th year and showcase how independent foodservice wholesalers can thrive. We wouldn’t have a business if it wasn’t for the people working in the hospitality sector so we’re all delighted to be assisting Hospitality Action who provide support to the people who need it most.”
Hosted by Patrick Kielty, the annual awards showcase the buying group’s diverse supply chain with the ceremony attended by 180 suppliers and senior representatives from the 12 member wholesalers.
The 2017 Member Award winners were:
- Best Brand Performance – Thomas Ridley Foodservice
- Best Own Brand Performance – Henderson Foodservice
- Telesales Focus Team of the Year – Birchall Foodservice
- Best Group Support – Thomas Ridley Foodservice
The 2017 Winners of the Supplier Awards were all voted for by the Country Range Group’s members and were as follows:
- Branded Supplier of the Year – Unilever Foodsolutions
- Frozen Supplier of the Year – Lamb Weston
- Own Brand supplier of the year – Delifrance
- Award for Marketing Excellence – Unilever Foodsolutions
- Award for Service Performance – Aimia Foods
- Award for Business Relationship – Lamb Weston
- Newcomer of the Year – F J Need
Coral Rose continues:
The annual supplier awards help to recognize and reward the companies, brands and people driving innovation, quality and improving service throughout the supply chain. Their support and hard work is key to the success we have seen this year so a big thanks goes out to all and a special well done to the winners.”
A year of innovation, over 15 Country Range new products have been launched including desserts, coated fries, bagels, pies, ice cream, condiments, RTU sauces, Christmas products and the brand’s biggest NPD roll-out in its history – Premium Fresh Chicken Breast Fillets.
While the extensive and ever-increasing product portfolio helps keep the Group at the forefront of trends, Coral Rose believes it’s the improved marketing that is making the big difference.
“While the range and quality of our portfolio is always improving, it’s our marketing and customer service where we’ve made huge strides and are seeing the benefits. Sponsorship of the Student Chef Challenge, the Group’s Stir It Up Magazine, extensive PR, social media and digital marketing are all making a huge difference in helping us communicate with customers, provide added value and drive new business.”
Coral Rose added:
We also launched some “Food Solution” initiatives this year aiming to showcase creative ideas and the profit potential of certain ingredients, trends or cuisines. Communicated across all media channels with recipe videos in particular helping to drive innovation and trial, the initiatives have helped focus product categories with burgers and Mexican see double digit growth.”
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