A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. How many times have you heard that phrase? Well, it is particularly true when it comes to commercial kitchens, where a good team and good suppliers can make or break a business, as they say, in short order.
That’s why discerning chefs throughout the land (including those in a number of Michelin starred restaurants) rely upon Wellocks for both fresh and dry ingredients. Put simply, great quality food with traceability and superior taste.
Wellocks, based in Nelson, Lancashire, has a real passion for food; one it has shared with the restaurant, pub and hotel trade since 1946. Moreover, it prides itself on the fact that the supply chain is a short tone – the grower/producer, Wellocks, and the customer and with a 24-hour turnaround on orders, chefs at last have a service that really does meet their expectations.
With produce primarily sourced from local producers and farms, although the company offer a full 12 months of the year service thanks to its vast experience of importing superior quality produce from all over Europe at good prices, Wellocks traditionally served the north of England, however, good news travels fast they now have a growing number of customers from Scotland down to the south of England.
This has been fuelled by the acquisition of a brand new warehouse in January 2011, which was purpose-built to encompass massive refrigeration areas that are specific to each product. Computerised pick areas and different sections for the various food products (fruit, vegetables, cheese, dairy, deli, poultry, game, herbs, dry goods etc.), are complemented by a new bespoke computer system, which allows Wellocks to control their stock effectively as well as online ordering for chefs, with any information they may need being instantly available.
With three checks made on every order once it has been picked, the customer receives only the freshest, finest foods every single time.
There is considerable growth to be had for the company now that it has spread its geographical wings; Wellocks is already operating out of a site close to Brighton and is in the process of acquiring a hub north of London. James Wellocks, who heads up the company, explains: “We are excited about the future and are aiming the business at customers who aspire to create better food. We can walk straight into a Michelin starred restaurant knowing that we can provide the service they need and demand.
“We buy direct from the producers and deliver direct to the chefs with a range that is second-to-none in both size and quality, it gives us the edge. What’s more, we can put fixed prices in place for the full length of a season, which the supplier dictates. We can then go back to the chefs and tell them exactly what the situation is. They are guaranteed the finest product and they know the exact cost.
“Because we’re a family run business we’ve accumulated a lot of knowledge. A lot of suppliers have worked with us for many years and we’ve developed a solid future with them. Those long-standing relationships have produced great trust on both sides.”
For further information on Wellocks and to discover how it can help to give your business a competitive advantage, visit www.wellocks.com. Alternatively, telephone 08444 993 444.
