BFS Group

BFS Group Limited
Bidvest Foodservice
Bidvest Logistics
Subsidiary
Industry Foodservice distribution
Logistics
Headquarters High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England
Revenue £2.36bn (2014/15)
Number of employees
 4,911
Parent Bidvest Group
Website Bidfood
Bidvest Logistics

BFS Group is a foodservice wholesaler and distributor based in the United Kingdom.[1] The company operates as two main divisions, Bidfood and Bidvest Logistics, as well as several specialised or local divisions and brands.

BFS Group Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bidvest Group, an international services, trading and distribution company listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa.[2]

History

logo used from 1999-2010
logo used from 2010-2015

BFS Group, trading as Booker Foodservice, was originally owned by Booker Group, having been formed through a series of acquisitions and mergers. In May 1999 Booker sold the company to Bidvest Group, in November of that year the company was re-branded as 3663, with the slogan "First for foodservice". The name "3663" spells "food" on a telephone keypad and is pronounced "three double-six three".

In 2003 BFS Group acquired Swithenbank, a fruit and vegetable supplier based in Bradford, and Wilson Watson, a catering equipment supplier which was subsequently rebranded as 3663 Catering Equipment.

In 2009 the company acquired Giffords Fine Foods.

In 2010 the operations of the company were separated into two distinct divisions, 3663 and Bidvest Logistics.

In 2011 the 3663 brand was re-branded with a new logo, vehicle livery and slogan, "inspired by you". In June of that year Inverness Farmers, a local wholesaler in the Highlands of Scotland which had started as a milk supplier, was acquired.

In July 2012 BFS Group acquired Oban based wholesaler Forteith Foodservice, a family run partnership which operated in the Argyll area. In October South Lincs Foodservice, a wholesaler operating in Lincolnshire, was fully acquired, after purchasing a minority holding earlier in the year. In September 2012 the acquired businesses of Giffords Fine Foods and Swithenbank were merged to form Swithenbank Fresh & Fine Foods, to operate as a single fresh produce division within 3663.

In February 2014 3663 was re-branded as Bidvest 3663.

In July 2015 Bidvest 3663 was re-branded as Bidvest Foodservice, meaning the "3663" name ceased to be used in any branding by the company after more than 15 years of use.

On the 16th February 2016, Bidvest Foodservice announced it would change its name to Bidfood. The change follows the separation of the global Bidvest Foodservice businesses from the Bidvest Group, when it listed independently on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in May last year. The change took effect from the 3rd April 2017.

The listing meant that Bidvest Foodservice UK, along with the other Bidvest Foodservice businesses around the world, have all changed their name to Bidfood reflect this.

Operations

Bidvest Foodservice

The Bidvest Foodservice division of the company operates as a foodservice wholesaler supplying fresh, frozen, ambient and non-food products to customers in a wide range of sectors within the foodservice and catering industry; including local authorities, NHS trusts, defence contractors, hotel and restaurant chains as well as many independent operators in the hospitality industry. Bidvest Foodservice operates a fleet of around 850 temperature-controlled delivery vehicles,[3] delivering fresh, chilled, and frozen goods out of 23 depots, and 4 regional distribution centres across the United Kingdom.[4] It has 5 major offices across the country.[5]

Bidvest Logistics

Bidvest Logistics provides distribution and supply chain services to larger operators in the foodservice industry,[6] including many well-known restaurant and fast-food brands.[7]

References

  1. ↑ "Quick 3663 Facts - Company website". Retrieved 8 May 2011.
  2. ↑ "Our Parent Company - Company website". Retrieved 8 May 2011.
  3. ↑ "Quick 3663 Facts - Company website". Retrieved 8 May 2011.
  4. ↑ "Where To Find Us - Company website". Retrieved 8 May 2011.
  5. ↑ "Offices - Company website". Retrieved 8 May 2011.
  6. ↑ "About us - Bidvest Logistics website". Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  7. ↑ "Our Customers - Bidvest Logistics website". Retrieved 22 February 2014.
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