M&S Food appoints Blakemore as primary wholesale partner

M&S Food has appointed A.F. Blakemore and Son Ltd, one of the UK’s largest family-owned businesses, as its new primary wholesale partner for third party branded products.

M&S Food said the new strategic partnership will help deliver a “more consistent and reliable” shopping experience for customers as M&S continues its journey to become a shopping list retailer.

Blakemore will deliver directly to M&S’ regional distribution network with a new seven day a week service.

Under the multi-year agreement, A.F. Blakemore will supply a selection of premium branded goods to complement M&S’s own brand offer. The new daily delivery service, with consolidated chilled and ambient supply, will improve product availability and increase operational efficiency.

Alex Freudmann, MD at M&S Food, said: “We are thrilled to be backing another British family business, working with A.F Blakemore and Son as our new, trusted wholesale partner. Blakemore will be providing an improved wholesale solution with a full seven days a week service that will increase availability for our stores and customers. As we reshape our business for growth and focus on improving availability and efficiency, choosing the right, trusted partners who can deliver on that is key.”

Carol Welch, CEO of A.F. Blakemore and Son Ltd, added: “At A.F. Blakemore and Son we are committed to delivering consistent quality, agility, and service, and it’s a privilege to partner with M&S to help accelerate growth of their food business.

“This partnership reflects the advances made in our wholesale and food service capabilities and the significant investment in our infrastructure, and product ranging. I want to take this opportunity to recognise the teams at AFB and M&S who have made this a smooth transition, and I look forward to building a strong, rewarding and high growth partnership.”