DBC Foodservice has announced it is taking delivery of 64 new purpose-built DAF 55 multi-temperature vehicles throughout January and February. Ranging from 15 to 18 tons, the vehicles will carry Frigoblock refrigeration units and meet the latest Euro 5 regulations.

Booker's head office in Wellingborough was reduced to a skeleton staff on January 22-23 as the company staged a two-day 'Thank you' event for its customers across its entire estate.

Booker has become the first wholesaler in the UK to be awarded the Carbon Trust Standard. This follows the company's commitment to take action on climate change.

The Federation of Wholesale Distributors has appointed James Bielby to the position of deputy director general.

Four of the leading wholesalers in the UK have all released results in the last month showing strong growth despite the slowdown in the overall economy.

wholesalers

Sterling Supergroup has launched a new logo and foodservice own label range.

Landmark Wholesale has moved its head office to new purpose-built premises in Milton Keynes that are 40% bigger than its previous building in the town.

Today's Group member Anglia Culinary Suppliers Ltd has moved into a new 10,000sq ft depot in Norwich.

As ProWholesaler went to press last week, snow was causing major disruption across the country, with staff struggling to reach depots and head offices and major problems for deliveries.

Spar (UK) has begun a project to redevelop its own brand range with the revamping of its value proposition.

For the first time, Drinksummit 09, the sector's top conference for beers, wines and spirits categories, will focus specifically on the shopper.

The number of times people dined out in the run-up to Christmas hit an all-time low, according to a new Quickbite survey from market analyst Horizons.

Snowdrops have already appeared, so hosts of golden daffodils are bound to follow. Would that the green shoots of an economic recovery were as predictable and evident as these welcome harbingers of the English spring.

British American Tobacco United Kingdom (BAT UK) and Zig-Zag GB have entered into an agreement under which BAT UK will distribute Zig-Zag rolling papers, filter tips and accessories.

Spar wholesalers are investing in new store openings around the UK as a result of the Co-operative Group's acquisition of Somerfield.

* Job title: buying manager

McClure's of Windermere, Sterling Supergroup member, has appointed three new directors to its board.

Booker chief executive Charles Wilson has become vice president of the industry owned food and grocery analyst and think-tank IGD.

3G Food Service & Seafood Solutions has appointed a sales director.

While cash-strapped consumers are putting off larger purchases they appear to be consoling themselves with growing amounts of coffee, and the independent sector is the main beneficiary of this trend.

Not many people know this - but many years ago a few senior and imaginative people in wholesaling talked around the idea that they might pool their buying power to produce a generic own label to be sold through every major cash and carry.

Irish symbol group ADM Londis has reported a reduction in warehouse running costs following an investment in Accord Voice Picking solution from BCP.

JR Holland Group has taken delivery of three new trucks.

Forklift truck manufacturer Hyster claims that its three-wheel J1.5-2.0XNT and the four-wheel J1.6-2.0XN forklift trucks will deliver the lowest cost of ownership for companies looking to reduce materials handling costs, amid rising energy prices.

What's a giant Easter Egg got to do with David Cameron? It's this: as the Bank Holiday approaches independents can feature a giant egg in store to raffle for charity as a promotional feature.

Bradford-based retailer Nelan Budwall defied the economic downturn and saw her sales before the run-up to Christmas increase by as much as 22% after enlisting the help of the FWD Take Home Blueprint.

At the start of what looks likely to be the most difficult trading year for some time, we at 'How to Solutions' have looked at all the functional elements of our business to make sure primarily that we are not wasting money through poor practice or a lack of focus on the bottom line.

Licensed caterers make up nearly half of all caterers visiting a cash and carry. The majority are pub owners, but in addition 13% are club owners, 9% are restaurateurs and 6% are hoteliers. Non-licensed caterers include sandwich shops, fast food outlets, coffee shops and delicatessens.

Young's has introduced Young's Jumbo Battered Cod Fillets to its Young's Chip Shop for Chefs range.

Essential Cuisine has added three new flavours to its powered stock mixes.

Pertwood Organic Farm has launched its four most popular cereals in individual portion packs.

Traiteur de Paris has added new lines to its range of frozen products.

Snowbird Foods has introduced Chilli Meat Balls.

Although the recession is impacting life in a multitude of ways, confectionery remains a growing market. Confectionery is seen as an affordable treat, a way that customers can still spoil themselves, as they rein in the spending elsewhere. There are also certain occasions which are now synonymous with confectionery. Easter in particular provides a key selling time.

Toiletries continue to be key products, and with the potential for impulsive top-up shops, remain even more crucial. Consumers tend to display brand loyalty, but in the present climate many are looking to see what other products are available.

Coca-Cola Enterprises has announced that Duffy has been confirmed to star in the Diet Coke European advertising.

The Weetabix Food Company has launched a Shaun the Sheep on-pack promotion.

General Mills UK is running TV adverts for its Betty Crocker Shake to Make Pancakes.

Müller is adding two lines to its desserts range.

Walkers' Nonsuch has launched two new lines, Peanut Brittle and Sesame Crunch.

R&R Ice Cream is launching new ice creams for the summer.

Birds Eye has launched a Healthy Options range.

PepsiCo has announced the finalists of its Do Us a Flavour campaign.

John West is introducing No Drain Tuna.

Hazeldene, a supplier of prepared salads, has launched a branded range of salad products available through the wholesale network to convenience and independent retail channels.

Scottish & Newcastle UK has struck a deal to exclusively import, market and distribute Tiger Beer in the UK from March 2.

Beam Global UK is investing £750,000 in Harveys, with a major fashion-led campaign to appeal to younger, discerning consumers.

Grant's blended Scotch whisky has launched a new on-pack promotion exclusively for the off-trade, giving consumers a free 'Different Angle' glass with every bottle.

As the Six Nations international rugby tournament kicks off Australian wine brand Wolf Blass has announced it will continue its sponsorship as the official wine of England Rugby and the official wine supplier to the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

Whyte & Mackay is investing £2m in its biggest ever marketing campaign to support the 2009 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts.

There is a cold blast coming in from the east. Snow has arrived today! Hooray. Just what is needed to get people into their local independent store.

New owner Shop Direct is inviting consumers to recall 'fond memories' to help create its on line range. Is that a first in retailing history?

These are the worst figures since records began in 1960 and in wholesale, the situation is even worse with substantial sales losses through duty fraud. The mega brewing mergers of the past couple of years have failed to lift the market or tackle duty fraud. There was a time when beer was one of the most important product categories in our sector. Those days are long gone.

Vinexpo says wine consumption in Britain increased by 12% between 2003 and 2007 and forecasts continued growth over the next five years, doubtless at the expense of ale, lager and other beverages. Our licensed retail customers have the benefit of the FWD Wine Blueprint to ensure a balanced well merchandised range, but if they are going to enjoy a share of this anticipated market growth then changes are essential.

The Grocer's regular survey includes up to 50 branded examples where most deals represent discounts of between 48-53% off usual retail price, always undercutting own brand prices. Brands can destroy own label intervention whenever they choose. One look at the take home beer market proves the point.