Oakland International has approximately half of its trade coming from overseas manufacturers who have some great products and great businesses. We believe that there is a real opportunity for many of these large and small businesses to embrace the opportunities that the UK has to offer in terms of fantastic retail channels and probably the best supply chain network in the world.
Supermarkets have the major part to play in driving sustainability; they are the custodians of many brands’ frontline consumer engagement and there is a role to play in upselling the benefits of local sourcing and buying British produced and manufactured products.
This is not about being patriotic, as the British are very curious and supportive of new products and authentic foreign dishes, but there are ways in which we can work smarter with foreign brand owners who want to service the UK.
Manufacturers located outside of the UK should consider moving part of their operation and part-manufacture (as an end-of-line process) or full manufacture their products in the UK.
Bringing their know-how and equipment to a UK based manufacturing centre, located preferably near to their target market or supply chain partner, they can then take advantage of being a local, regional or national supplier to UK consumers, avoiding border challenges and expensive transport costs, product stock wastage and the shelf-life erosion associated with being in a separate country.
Oakland will shortly be unveiling plans for manufacturers to be located within a carbon-neutral designed hub, taking us a small step closer towards solving a national challenge for sustainability and the environment, and also because it is the right thing to do!
Oakland International operates 24-hours/7 days a week and is a D2C/B2C/B2B specialist in contract packing, storage, picking, food distribution and a brand development support provider for ambient, chilled and frozen food to the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK, Ireland and via their partner in Spain.
