Dobbies launches new foodhall partnership with Waitrose

FOOD & DRINK

19 July, 2022 | by Angela Beevers

Garden centre chain Dobbies has signed a new partnership with Waitrose to enable it to provide customers with access to the supermarket’s food, grocery products and everyday essentials in over 50 Dobbies stores across the UK.

Dobbies launched its new-style foodhall in July 2020 and this latest move will see Waitrose replace the current partnership with Sainsbury’s.

Due to launch in Edinburgh this month, the partnership will enable Waitrose to have a presence in 20 new towns and cities. Dobbies’ new flagship stores at Tewkesbury and Reading will also benefit from the partnership.

James Bailey, executive director for Waitrose, said: “With Dobbies we will be working with a partner that shares our values when it comes to quality and service, and this underlines our ambitions to bring Waitrose food and drink to even more people throughout the UK. It will take us into locations that are entirely new for us and build our presence in other areas where a Waitrose shop may not currently be conveniently accessible, despite strong demand for our products.”

Dobbies said customers will be able to choose from a wide selection of products, including the essential Waitrose, Waitrose No. 1 and Waitrose Duchy Organic ranges.

Graeme Jenkins, chief executive of Dobbies, said: “Waitrose and Dobbies share a commitment to great value, quality and sustainability. They are the natural partner for us as we look to build on the success of our foodhalls in recent years, which have become a popular part of our customer offer.”

Dobbies will be continuing its existing partnerships with Hotel Chocolat and Cook following the launch. Customers will also be able to buy a range of Dobbies’ own brand bakery items, as well as produce from its butcher and produce concession partners.