M&S Food has appointed A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, the family-owned West Midlands business, as its main wholesale partner for third-party branded products.
Under the multi-year agreement, Blakemore will supply premium products directly to M&S’ regional distribution network seven days a week, helping the retailer boost availability and efficiency.
The collaboration forms part of M&S Food’s ongoing Reshape for Growth strategy, designed to deliver a more consistent and reliable shopping experience for customers.
Blakemore will provide a range of popular branded products to complement M&S’s own-label offering, with consolidated chilled and ambient deliveries designed to streamline operations.
Alex Freudmann, M&S Food managing director, said: “We are thrilled to be backing another British family business, working with A.F. Blakemore & Son as our new, trusted wholesale partner.
“Blakemore will be providing an improved wholesale solution with a full seven days a week service that will increase availability for our stores and customers. Choosing the right, trusted partners who can deliver on that is key as we reshape our business for growth.”
Carol Welch, CEO of A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, said: “At A.F. Blakemore & Son, we are dedicated to delivering consistent quality, agility, and service. It’s an honour to partner with M&S and support the growth of their Food business.”
“This partnership reflects the advances made in our wholesale and food service capabilities, the significant investment in our infrastructure, and our product range. I want to thank the teams at AFB and M&S who have made this a smooth transition and I look forward to building a strong, rewarding partnership.”
M&S stated that the switch in wholesale supplier is intended to enhance service and efficiency for colleagues, and does not signal a move toward expanding third-party branded ranges.
The retailer emphasised that its own-brand food remains central to its offering, with selected branded products included to complement the range and ensure customers can complete their shopping in one place.