Kerry Foods is relaunching its van sales business, under the new name Kerryfresh, to help c-store retailers make the most of the fast-growing chilled and fresh categories.

The revamp of the former Kerry Foods Direct to Store operation, two years in the making, will include: a microwaveable snacks range called Taste Inc. and a sandwich range called &Made. Kerryfresh will also offer its 400-strong range for retailers to purchase in single units. Online ordering will come later in the year.

“Over the past four years, chilled and fresh foods contributed an extra £2bn to sales in convenience, growing by 45%,” said MD Darren Haynes. “We believe the launch of Kerryfresh can help retailers unlock this fantastic profit opportunity while driving further category growth.”

Kerry Foods revealed in February that it would “adjust its business model to focus on its core offerings” in the c-store sector in the wake of “challenging market conditions”.

The relaunch comes as other suppliers, such as Walkers, have outsourced convenience distribution to third parties. Last month, The Grocer revealed Coca-Cola Enterprises had put its convenience distribution contract out to tender.

However, Haynes said van sales was “very much needed” for chilled and fresh in convenience. Customer feedback to pilots in Wales had been very positive, he added.

Kerryfresh delivers six days a week to over 13,000 customers from 26 depots across the UK.

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