Blakemore Hikes Delivery Fees

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SPAR wholesaler Blakemore is reported to be increasing the delivery fee it charges retailers who don’t meet its minimum order threshold from £40 to £60.

Trade magazine The Grocer quotes a letter sent to its independent retailers from Blakemore Trade Partners’ Commercial Director Louis Drake. It said: “Since April, we have continued to see further increases which are impacting the entire supply chain and driving inflationary pressure on the cost of goods. These impacts mean that we have had to further review our delivery criteria.”

The new charges will take effect from 25 July. However, the wholesaler noted that its minimum order levels remain unchanged. These are £1,500 per ambient delivery (excluding cigarettes, tobacco and vaping), £200 per chilled delivery, and £150 per frozen delivery.

The letter is also said to outline its plans to increase single pick charges.

A spokesperson for Blakemore Trade Partners told The Grocer: “Adjustments such as these are always difficult to introduce, and it is not a decision we have taken lightly. However, it is important that we operate an efficient business to ensure we provide the best possible service. We are working with retailers on how they can schedule their deliveries to mitigate cost increases.”

Last week, it was reported that Nisa has again increased its fuel levy delivery charge for retailers. After upping the charge from £4.88 to £9.77 two months after its introduction in February, the convenience wholesaler is now raising it to £13.43 to offset surging petrol and diesel prices.

NAM Implications:
  • Blakemore are patently simply trying to optimise the distribution process by suggesting ways of tailoring to suit all stakeholders…
  • The result will be increased contributions to costs via minimum quantities, and delivery charges.
  • These changes will be too much for some…
  • And they will switch to different partners.
  • Leaving Blakemore with a system that works…
  • For now!

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