3663 adds fourth region to its local sourcing initiative

22 June 2006
3663 adds fourth region to its local sourcing initiative

3663 First for Foodservice, the UK's leading foodservice wholesale distributor is delighted to add a fourth region to its local sourcing initiative, which provides locally sourced foods to local people. From July 2006, 3663 is pleased to launch a range of Welsh regional products from its Swansea and Severnbridge depots, delivering to customers in the area including schools, hospitals, hotels and restaurants.

This initiative will help to connect the chef and the consumer with their local products. The extensive range consists of over 150 short and long-life chilled, frozen and ambient products from recognised and reputable Welsh suppliers. The range includes Ty-Nant Water, Welshcakes from Tan y Castell, dairy products from Rachel's Dairy and Cheeses from Wales and an array of products from Parsons Pickles.

Julie Moore, 3663 Marketing Controller, explains: "Chefs prefer to use local ingredients, but it has always been hard to make this a financially viable option. Every additional supplier adds a significant cost to a traditional wholesaling operation, in time, administration and deliveries into depot. Once the cost has been adjusted to accommodate these extra expenses, the availability of locally sourced goods becomes too expensive".

"We have found a way of handling local produce through food hubs, which limits additional costs and enables us to offer locally grown and locally made foods at competitive prices. In addition this will offer the benefits of full traceability and quality, plus a reliable source of supply. Wales has hundreds of small food producers who could benefit from this scheme. Our aim is to make the availability of local produce easier and more economical for caterers, in turn promoting a more ethical means of food supply".

3663 has worked in partnership with Taylors Regional Foods (TRF) to create their regional food hub servicing 3663 in Wales, actively maintaining the highest levels of due diligence and traceability on all products. TRF will facilitate the launch of 3663's local food range through their hub depots in Swansea and Severnbridge and will eventually serve all 3663 depots in the Welsh region.

3663 is already an established supplier of local fresh, frozen, ambient and chilled foods in England, Scotland and Wales. This initiative in partnership with TRF follows three successful schemes in East Anglia, Kent and the South West earlier this year, and the programme will roll out further across the country over the course of 2006.

About 3663 First for Foodservice 3663 First for Foodservice is the UK's leading foodservice wholesale distributor. We offer a range of services to the whole industry and deliver quality grocery, frozen, fresh, chilled and non-food items to approximately 30,000 customers.

As brand champions, 3663 offers an extensive range of leading brands, as well as a selection of high quality own brands.

For information on your local depot, 3663 products or catering advice, call 0870 3663 000 or email advice_centre@3663.co.uk. Alternatively visit www.3663.co.uk

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