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“Laser focus”, “forward-thinking”, and “customer-first strategy” were just some of the phrases used by the judges when describing this year’s Supplier Excellence Award winner.

Britvic impressed this year’s panel with its ongoing commitment to supporting customers through the difficult economic climate, initiatives to help increase customer footfall, its commitment to sustainability and a pledge to develop healthier products.

The drinks manufacturer, which is responsible for more than 37 brands, including Pepsi, Robinsons and J2O, has worked hard with its catering clients to protect margins amid the ongoing challenges facing the industry.

This has included running product promotions and marketing campaigns with its B&I clients to help encourage staff members back into the office and drive awareness, footfall and sales.

Britvic won a major arena contract earlier this year with a proposal to transform the client’s serving spaces that were struggling with low footfall. Britvic worked closely with the venue and its catering team to change the look and feel of the spaces within six weeks, resulting in both increased footfall and a 20% increase in average consumer spend.

Also highly committed to driving its sustainability and health strategies, the company has been a vocal supporter of the government’s UK-wide deposit return scheme and has also been developing package-less solutions, such as the Aqua Libra flavour tap. This refillable tap delivers a flavoured still and sparkling beverage, helping Britvic’s customers to reduce their carbon footprint by removing plastic from the supply chain.

Britvic has also invested in the Aqua Libra Waste Shark, a marine robot that clears plastic waste from bodies of water while collecting data to improve surroundings. In addition, the brand aims to ensure there is a cyclical ecosystem when it comes to recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), which is PET plastic that has been recycled and made into new products, such as plastic bottles and food containers.

Furthermore, it has invested in Esterform, a UK company which is looking to develop new packaging solutions, so brands can move away from rPET entirely. Britvic also acquired the Boiling Tap Company in 2020, which allowed it to develop a dispensed still, sparkling, hot, cold and flavoured water solution, removing even more plastic from the supply chain.

Britvic has also focused on health initiatives and has reduced the amount of sugar in its regular Pepsi by 58%.

What the judges said

“This was a really robust entry that clearly met the criteria and used compelling examples and evidence to demonstrate that Britvic had consistently delivered value and exceeded expectations. It was great to see the focus on helping customers increase sales. I really liked the customer-first strategy, which focused on solutions linking back into consumer trends.” Fiona Hamilton

The shortlist

Bidfood

Britvic

NEMI Teas

RDA

Past winners

2022 Collectiv Food

2021 Navitas Safety

2019 JJ Foodservice

2018 HIT Training