Following the success of Snacksdirect, Palmer and Harvey, the UK’s largest wholesale distributor, is delighted to announce the launch of Sweetdirect – a brand new direct to store van sales service supplying a range of confectionery and sweet brands to over 20,000 independent retailers. The Sweetdirect business will operate from 15 new depots and will create 170 new jobs within the Palmer and Harvey group.
 
Sweetdirect will be launched in the spring of 2009 and the new service will improve consumer choice for the retailer by offering a range of confectionery and sweet brands with competitive prices and promotions to improve retailer margins and boost profitability.
 
In the challenging retail environment retailers increasingly wish to manage their time effectively and as such direct to store sales have risen and are seen as the preferred delivery option. Sweetdirect will work in parallel with Snacksdirect, which delivers savoury snacks, biscuits and cakes, in order to broaden Palmer and Harvey’s direct to store product offering and provide a convenient and efficient service to retailers.
 
In addition, the direct to store service has the benefit of sales professionals being in regular contact with the retailer to provide expert advice, merchandising assistance and appropriate equipment to significantly improve in store display, maximising the retailer’s sales and profit. 

Jim Newsome, Managing Director of Direct Van Sales at Palmer and Harvey, said:

“We are delighted to announce the launch of Sweetdirect and the creation of 170 new jobs, especially in this economic environment. Our current direct to store van sales business Snacksdirect has grown rapidly and we are definitely seeing a positive trend for a wider direct to store delivery service. Sweetdirect will add another category to our direct to store service and will help independent retailers remain competitive.”