Operational reviews – Bidvest New Zealand

Bidvest Foodservice Asia Pacific

Nigel Boswell: Managing director

The business is a foodservice industry leader, offering a full end-to-end national distribution service in New Zealand. Bidvest New Zealand offers customers the industry’s most comprehensive range, wide market coverage, economies of scale and one-stop solutions. The division is an innovator and leads its industry in the developmentof e-commerce solutions. Sustained investment in training and technology ensure high levels of service efficiency, quality and accreditation.		Nigel Boswell – Managing director

Highlights

	Sales up 14% (NZD91 million) to NZD763 million
	Operating ROFE rose to 118%
	Built, in Auckland, the largest and most modern foodservice DC in the country
	Established a butchery and fresh produce processing business in the north island.

2015 targets, objectives and factors affecting future results

The business is focused on continuing the strong growth it has enjoyed for many years by focusing on operational excellence and great customer service.

Innovation and new investment

	The business has continued to develop the e-commerce offering to customers. This has helped sales through e-commerce and EDI reach another record at year-end, 61% of the total business sales
	BluePepper, the Bidvest developer of e-commerce software continues its global expansion and function development
	GPS and vehicle management software has been fitted into the distribution fleet for greater operational efficiency.

Changes in the operational environment

The New Zealand economy is growing faster than most OECD countries at a rate of 3,7%. The central bank is trying to control the inflation generated from that growth by rising interest rates. The overall outlook is positive for the foreseeable future. The hospitality industry is growing and consumer confidence is improving.

Risks and responses

	The business has recently taken steps to help minimise and better monitor work accidents. This will lead to a safer work place with less unplanned leave days, helping staff as well as the business
	Food safety is taken very seriously within the business. A comprehensive food audit programme is carried out throughout the whole foodservice business. This programme is independently audited each year.