Distributor Of Frozen And Chilled Foods For Sale

Business description

This leading distributor of frozen and chilled foods, frozen & chilled vegetarian foods and premium ice cream was established by the current owner in 1979. Since that time it has grown to become a significant enterprise with a turnover circa £4.5m per annum with high gross and net profits. Circa twenty two staff are employed with a strong second level management team.

The company operates from first class frozen and chilled storage facilities with additional office space. There is ample room for the overnight storage of delivery vehicles as well as parking for cars during the day. The premises are close to major transport links.

The company focusses on serving mainly small independent food stores and enjoys a customer list of circa 1,400 businesses. In addition, the company serves the major supermarket chains with some specialist products: this represents only circa 4% of total sales, with therefore no risk to the business. The largest client generates circa 9% of total sales.

The bulk of the company’s business is frozen food, with circa 95% of total sales. A superb 600 pallet deep freeze facility serves as the main storage area.

Products from the most well known brands are sold including:

• Häagen Dazs®
• Wall’s
• Birds Eye
• McCain
• Heinz
• Mars
• Linda McCartney®

In addition specialist products are imported from France and USA.



Equipment

The company utilises a fleet of six 7.5 ton and one 35 cwt freezer vans for regular deliveries. In addition a number of cars are owned.

The main deep freeze facility is capable of storing 600 pallet loads and a secondary freezer is also utilised. A chiller is used for the storage of chilled food. Two fork lift trucks are owned.

A full range of office equipment is utilised including a real time computer system, especially tailored for use by the company.


Customer Service

The highest levels of service sit at the heart of the business’s customer engagement strategy.

Property information

Location:

The business occupies first class leasehold premises of circa 14,500 square feet. The current lease expires in 2012 with a passing rent of £102,000 per annum. Business rates are circa £44,000 per annum.

Other information

Expansion potential:

A move to give greater focus to chilled foods along with the current concentration on frozen products will undoubtedly produce increased sales and profits.

Competition / Market:

The company advertises in Yellow Pages™. A website is being developed and, in addition, regular product brochures are produced which are either posted or emailed to customers. The business would benefit however, from the development and execution of a strategic marketing plan addressing all media activities.

Support & training:

A full period of training, handover and familiarisation will be provided to ensure a smooth transition to new ownership.

Reasons for selling:

This is a genuine retirement sale. A stage has been reached where the owner wishes to retire and is offering the business for sale not only as an organically expanding going concern but with further growth potential.