As things are slowly getting back to normal, companies are having to again change gear to service previous clients while still taking things day by day.
Back in March Dundee wholesaler Les Turriff had to deal with the lockdown which saw their normal client base of food service providers suddenly close, they went from supplying food service businesses to making 1200 home deliveries a week. They also saw an increase in demand from grocers and independent retailers.
“We have retained around 25% of the home delivery business,” said Andrew Turriff, Director at the company. “We are quite please to have retained this much, but we are not sure how it will be going forward. After the initial demand it all calmed down in May when supermarkets were able to cope with home delivery demand and people started to go out again.”
The hospitality sector opened up again in Scotland in July, first with outdoor venues then in the last week or so pubs and restaurants have been able to serve food indoors.
“Some of these businesses are doing very well as people are keen to get back out and the tourism industry is picking up again. I would say our food service business is back to around 75% of where we would expect to be just now.”
According to Andrew the local grocers and independent retailers are determined to keep supplying fresh produce, in some small towns and villages they have become a real hub and are enjoying loyalty from their customers.
Les Turriff has been able to retain all their staff and have had to employ a few extra temporary people for the summer.
Andrew is still cautious about the future as Covid cases are on the increase and a second lock down is always possible.
For more information:
Andrew Turriff
Les Turriff
Tel: + 44 1382 773838
Email: andrew@lesturriff.com
www.lesturriff.co.uk/