Coming in to the cold
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• Wincanton and Exel Logistics are joining forces in a new European venture for chilled and frozen food distribution using intermodal transport. Negotiations are at the "exploratory stage", says Ian Beitch, development manager for Exel's temperature controlled services division. And both companies are in discussion with Railfreight Distribution about the venture. It will begin in Spain, where Exel already owns food and drink distributor Sadema.
Railfreight is cagey about the discussions; a spokesman says it is too early to provide details, but confirms that "Railfreight is talking to a number of key players in the temperature controlled distribution field ab out market structure and potential, and assessing opportunities with the opening of the Channel Tunnel".
It is understood that Railfreight is wary of upsetting the French railways authority, SNCF, which is also talking to Railfreight about joint ventures. Wincanton and Exel are "exploring the market" and talking to all major retailers, says Beitch, who hopes plans will begin to take shape early in the new year. Exel has a distribution network in place in Spain through Sadetna's 15 mainland locations: it bought Sadema last June for nearly .26m and renegotiated contracts with major food manufacturer Nabisco and confectionary firm Nutrexpa. Sadema is Spain's third largest food and drink distributor, with a £6.3m turnover. It employs 150 warehouse staff for its chilled food and ambient warehouse services.