CJ Lang works to support suppliers

Dundee-based wholesaler CJ Lang has transformed the way it engages with local suppliers as Covid-19 restrictions continue.

The family-owned business, which employs 2,100 staff, found the pandemic has changed people’s shopping habits, with a knock-on effect for the more than 150 local Scottish suppliers that CJ Lang use to supply 300 Spar stores across Scotland.

Spar Scotland chief executive Colin McLean said the firm had assisted suppliers in a number of ways which had allowed a regular flow of products.

He said: “The majority of products are coming through our central distribution centre in Dundee, which gives us the opportunity to deliver across all Spar stores in Scotland ensuring equity of supply. Many local bakers have closed their own retail units and where possible we have stepped in and increased volumes of local bread, morning rolls, pastries and pies.”

Mr McLean said a key example was the firm had worked with bakers, assisting them to reduce their product range.

This had allowed them to focus on core lines such as bread and rolls while increasing volumes and adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Scotland Food and Drink UK Market Development director Lucy Husband welcomed the initiative.

She said: “Connecting food and drink suppliers directly into new routes to market is at the core of Scotland Food and Drink’s UK Market Development Programme.”

She continued: “CJ Lang’s approach to working with suppliers in this agile way is what’s needed to support Scotland’s recovery and it’s been great to be able to support the team with introductions to the right suppliers.”

In March, CJ Lang announced it joined forces with food service operator, Brakes Scotland to ensure a constant supply of food and drink from their warehouse after a surge in orders from Spar stores.

The distribution partnership came after the firm urged shoppers not to panic buy and temporarily restricted purchases of essential items.