Davies & Robson has completed a successful distribution tender exercise on behalf of leading restaurant operator, Tragus.

Tragus is one of the UK’s largest independently owned restaurant operators with almost 300 sites, serving over 21 million meals each year. The company’s brands include Café Rouge, Strada, Bella Italia and brasseries, Amalfi, Belgo, Huxleys, Ortega and Potters.

Achieving the high standards of food quality and freshness on which Tragus prides itself requires a robust yet flexible round-the-clock logistics operation.

This involves the delivery of more than four million cases per annum on a Day 1 for Day 3 basis. The number of products is in excess of 1,000, including fresh, frozen and ambient food along with beers, wine and spirits. In addition to the usual seasonal peaks, the operation must also cope with menu changes and promotions.

In 2010, Tragus took the decision to review its logistics operations and tender its future requirements. These included holding stock of selected products, receipt of product for next day delivery, managing the web catalogue of available products, receiving electronic orders from the restaurants, placing orders on suppliers, order picking and delivery to restaurants.

To support this, Davies & Robson was appointed to prepare the ITT and manage the tender process, which included evaluating contractor submissions, assistance with contractor selection and contract negotiations, the preparation of contract documentation and the provision of implementation support.

As a result, Bidvest was appointed to provide national distribution from two regional distribution centres, in Banbury and Royton. The contract was awarded in April 2011 and went live in September.

In addition to the commercial agreement, the contract also provides a clear framework for the ongoing management of the operation, including incentives to both parties to seek to improve service and reduce costs.

Tragus’ Head of Procurement, Phil Cooke said: “We are delighted with the experience and support provided by Davies & Robson; they ran an extremely professional tender process that resulted in the appointment of Bidvest. We would recommend Davies & Robson to other potential clients without hesitation.”

Davies & Robson

Tel: 01327 349090

Email: info@daviesrobson.co.uk

www.daviesrobson.co.uk

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