Barry Group rolls out nationwide chill distribution solution
Introduction of new chill distribution to significantly increase profits and sales for Barry Group and Costcutter retailers
Print9 September 2013
Barry Group has announced plans of its launch of a nationwide chill distribution solution at its Costcutter Annual Store of the Year awards. This new distribution solution represents a capital investment of €1 million for the company and is expected to yield up to €200 million in business over the next five years.
The introduction of the centralised chill distribution solution will also result in significant increases in sales and profit margins for Costcutter retailers. These increases will be generated through better buying, cost and time efficiencies while also incorporating a new intuitive I.T. system. This specially developed retail software supporting chill distribution solution, called Beacon, gives the retailer increased business intelligence when placing orders through the Barry Group.
Beacon has a number of advanced options such as providing the retailer with information on top selling products across the Costcutter network of stores, up-to-date Recommended Retail Prices (RRPs) and the ability to set-up repeat orders; all aimed at allowing retailers streamline the order process and concentrate on other elements of their business.
Barry Group’s chilled distribution model has been an extensive area of research for the Barry Group with 12 top level staff dedicated to this project for the past 18 months. The changes and difficulties experienced by some competitiors in the supply chain market offered the company an opportunity to tailor its chill distribution solution to better take advantage of technology and offer its retailers what the company believes to be a best in class solution.
Speaking at the Costcutter Annual Store of the Year Awards, Jim Barry, managing director of Barry Group said: "Our retailers now have the ability to place orders at their fingertips using the latest technology. They have the full solution to make one complete order, which will arrive as one delivery, cutting out the time wasted on managing numerous deliveries by various suppliers. There is also the added advantage of a three-day a week delivery service"
The reaction from current Costcutter retailers has been enormously positive while the interest already expressed by independent retailers has led Barry Group to be confident of adding up to 25 new Costcutter franchises in the coming year.
This confidence also stems from the range and quality of suppliers that have signed up to this chilled distribution solution.
Chill distribution will see the delivery of 2,500 products to Costcutter retailers in the first three months and this range will be increased to over 3,000 after that time. This includes a broad range of private label goods chosen to meet consumer demand. As part of its "Proud to local" ethos, Barry Group continues to support local artisan producers. Chill distribution offers local suppliers, producers and niche manufacturer’s access to Barry Group’s national network of retailers.
The introduction of the central chilled distribution solution represents a significant milestone for Barry Group and Jim Barry commented: "The development of this solution took place over an 18 month period and involved a dedicated team of experts. We are also delighted to be working with an internationally recognised distribution partner and we’re confident that the entire operation from order placement to delivery will happen seamlessly to the highest of standards within a three-day timeframe"
Chill distribution also offers considerable environmental benefits. Weekly delivery to stores will be operated on a three day weekly delivery, significantly improving the carbon footprint of the grocery supply chain.
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