Prestige Purchasing, the leading specialist in procurement and supply chain management for the hospitality and catering industry, has recruited Phil Pothecary, Novus Leisure’s former Head of Procurement and Chris Donaldson MW, a Master of Wine, to launch a new beverage procurement service.
Profitability through efficiency
The new service will launch in November 2013 and is aimed at the hospitality sector. Consultancy services will focus on quality and a collaborative approach to beverage procurement, working with suppliers to ensure that they provide the best experience and product for customers while increasing profitability through efficiency.
The decision to launch the beverage service was sparked by strong client demand. Speaking about this, David Read, Chief Executive of Prestige Purchasing comments, “As the beverage market matures operators need to become more sophisticated in the way they approach it, if they are to compete for customers and manage their costs.
“Operators can’t afford to ignore the potential to drive revenues through a collaborative approach with wholesalers and brand owners, and create greater efficiency within drinks procurement.
“As a consultancy, we not only need supply chain expertise, but specialists who understand drinks and the drinks market inside-out. That’s why we’re very pleased to have Chris and Phil joining the team and we’re looking forward to introducing them to our clients over the coming months.”
Phil Pothecary
Phil Pothecary was formerly the Head of Purchasing for Novus Leisure, the bar operator behind Tiger Tiger and Balls Brothers wine bars. In his former role, he was in charge of over £25m of purchasing and worked collaboratively with drinks brand owners to unify the company’s supply chain and to promote brands through the bars. Phil has developed very strong relationships with drinks suppliers and has earned a reputation as a specialist in creating efficiencies in drinks procurement across multiple-venues.
Chris Donaldson
Chris Donaldson became a Master of Wine while working as a wine buyer for the luxury department store Harrods. He went on to become Managing Director of wine importer and wholesaler Cockburn & Campbell before becoming a specialist consultant for the likes of pub operator Young’s and the Royal Tokaji Wine Company. As a Master of Wine, Chris’ extensive expertise ensures that he is well adept at sourcing well-priced wines without compromising quality.
Event: Opportunities in a maturing wholesale drinks market
To explore issues around beverage procurement, Prestige Purchasing will be hosting an event on 8 November 2013 at the Andaz Hotel in London. The topic of the event will be ‘Opportunities in a maturing wholesale drinks market. How you can maximise brand owner investment through your wholesaler, and improve your profitability.’
If you would like to attend this event, please RSVP to Micaela.Moroney@Prestige-Purchasing.com and she will be happy to reserve you a place.
About Prestige Purchasing
Prestige Purchasing, is one of the UK’s leading specialists in procurement and supply chain management for the hospitality, catering, leisure, retail and private healthcare sectors.
In August 2012, its consortium business was acquired by Pelican Buying Company. The acquisition has allowed Prestige Purchasing to further develop its core consultancy and insight business – delivering services based on robust insight and transparent fees.
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