Cutting out the middleman

[David Darlington]

We are an importer, based in Scandinavia. We import UK grocery products, and supply hundredsof supermarkets. Our main problem is, that we need to get closer to the manufacturer and cut out the 2-3 middlemen, all creaming off a %. In most cases we can buy FCL, but we just can’t get anywhere near the right price for our customers to be interested. Who supplies cash & carry’s for example? We can buy in a bigger volume than Cash & Carry’s do. I need to buy from THEIR supplier, or even better. Any idea’s would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[Mr D]

Work the supply chain the other way. You know what the brands are called, track down who the UK distributor or EU distributor is. Starting at the top. Then approach them - or if too small for them to deal with then ask for who you should contact.

Or try the trade body or bodies dealing with the type of product. They will know of the big players in their area of sales.

 

[GraemeL]

Have you actually contacted the head offices of the brand owners and asked them?
What did they say?

 

[The Byre]

1. Read 'The Grocer' magazine.

2. Attend a few grocery trade shows in the UK.

3. Comb through the lists of exhibitors from the UK https://10times.com/international-food-drinkevent/exhibitors

4. If it is quality farm produce you are after, you are going to have to contact farms directly, visit them and talk turkey.

5. For branded goods, follow @GraemeL's advice and contact the manufacturer/brand owner.

 

[Bastiaan Weller]

We are an importer, based in Scandinavia. We import UK grocery products, and supply hundredsof supermarkets. Our main problem is, that we need to get closer to the manufacturer and cut out the 2-3 middlemen, all creaming off a %. In most cases we can buy FCL, but we just can’t get anywhere near the right price for our customers to be interested. Who supplies cash & carry’s for example? We can buy in a bigger volume than Cash & Carry’s do. I need to buy from THEIR supplier, or even better. Any idea’s would be appreciated, thanks.

Dear David,

What products are you importing?

I can source for you directly at the factory.

Please give me a call for understanding?

Regards

Bas

 

[7Tom7]

As others have said, if you post up the categories you require you may get more help.