Oakland International Confirmed as Finalist in Grocer Gold Awards 2016

Redditch-based supply chain specialists Oakland International is amongst this year’s finalists in The Grocer Gold Awards 2016 to be held at the Guildhall, London on Tuesday 14th June 2016.

Finalist in the Business Initiative of the Year category, responsible family business Oakland International was chosen for their pioneering Distress Load Management service, whereby Oakland reduces food losses for customers, loss adjusters and hauliers on distressed loads. A practical service which provides notable environmental benefits for customers, Oakland is continuing to help lead the way in innovation and industry change, with their advanced business approach significantly reducing the firm’s carbon footprint/energy consumption from investment in a range of energy efficient technologies and green initiatives.

Supplying major UK and Irish retail, wholesale, discount and convenience markets from their UK and Ireland depots, Oakland International Quality Assurance Manager, Louise Smith, commented:

“We are delighted to be selected as a finalist in the Business Initiative of the Year category for our unique Distress Load Management service. Our selection is positive acknowledgement of Oakland’s passion, integrity and commitment to incorporate innovation and change to deliver sustainability and value added services for Oakland International customers throughout our partner networks.”

The company’s ground-breaking service can save up to 80% of produce, which would otherwise be completely destroyed. To date around 1,800 tonnes of food has been saved from going to waste, and those products which cannot be recovered forwarded to anaerobic digestion plant centres to be used for renewable energy, and nil to landfill.

Louise added: “Oakland’s flexible culture actively supports change, making it easy to adapt and embrace new ways of working which has helped us build a reputation for growth through sustainability and an appetite to continue to add value and leverage from our expertise, whilst gaining competitive advantage.”

Recognising the best of the best in grocery retail for service, initiative and commitment, the awards are held in high regard by all within the industry.