Sweet maker picks Bibby for distribution

Confectionery manufacturer Tangerine has awarded a multi-million pound contract to Bibby Distribution to handle its warehousing and distribution.

Tangerine’s brands include: Butterkist Popcorn, BlackJacks, Sherbet Fountains and Refreshers. Stephen Webster, head of logistics and customer service, said: “We wanted to work with a long-term partner that shares our values, and can offer us ever-improving services. Bibby Distribution’s management approach is refreshing, and we now have a strategic partner whose operations will support our growth and deliver outstanding performance.”

Bibby is looking at moving to a “day-one for day-two” delivery model and deploying new technology to boost efficiency. It said that while consultations are taking place, the new contract would operate primarily from Bibby’s distribution centre in Wakefield.

Shunting runs will bring products Tangerine’s factories along the M62 corridor to Wakefield for consolidation, where they will then be dispatched to wholesalers and supermarkets across the country.

Webster said: “Bibby Distribution’s Wakefield facility is perfect for our operations. It matches our business’ centre of gravity, the facilities are outstanding, and with its shared customers, including major supermarkets, we can dramatically cut the costs of logistics thanks to Bibby Distribution’s blend of flexibility and reach.”