The volume increase follows several service improvement initiatives on existing volumes over the last 12 months, implemented as a result of the two companies working collaboratively to improve the service Barry Callebaut’s customers receive.
This latest increase in volume further reinforces Abbey’s position as the UK’s largest bulk chocolate tanker operator.
The new contract went live in April and sees Abbey increasing utilisation on existing vehicles already working on the contract and drawing on its own specialist heated chocolate tankers and professional drivers from its wider chocolate tanker network, as well as continued investment in its fleet and specialist driver team.
Abbey will operate vehicles from its new depot near Barry Callebaut’s UK manufacturing site in Banbury, Oxfordshire.
Dave Coulson, Commercial Director at Abbey Logistics said: “Our relationship with Barry Callebaut is now 15 years old and throughout that time we have focused on continuous improvement and working in partnership to understand and support Barry Callebaut overcome their distribution challenges.”
Louise James, UK Supply Chain Manager at Barry Callebaut Group said: “Our customers expect the highest quality products from us, so in turn we expect our transport providers to possess the specialist knowledge and skill required to distribute large volumes of high value chocolate.”
“Abbey Logistics have continued to improve its service to us since the last tender period which has given us the confidence to increase the volume we place with them.
“We know Abbey well and we are pleased to extend and strengthen our partnership”.