M&S Food has revealed that it has appointed A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd as its primary wholesale partner for third-party branded products.

West Midlands-based Blakemore, which is considered to be one of the UK’s largest family-owned businesses, will deliver directly to M&S’ regional distribution network with a new seven-day-a-week service that is said would “ensure freshness and exceptional quality”.

Under the multi-year agreement, Blakemore will replace Booker to supply a selection of premium branded goods to complement the M&S own-brand offer.

The daily delivery service, with consolidated chilled and ambient supply, will reportedly “improve product availability and increase operational efficiency”.

Alex Freudmann, managing director at M&S Food, commented: “We are thrilled to be backing another British family business, working with A.F Blakemore & 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 & Son Ltd, said: “At A.F. Blakemore & 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.”