Page 102 - Bord Bia - Irish Foodservice Directory 2024

Opportunities for Irish food and drink suppliers

The key areas for growth are expansion of outlets into Dublin and large
town centres nationwide.
There is a growing demand for increased quality ingredients, cutting edge
alternatives and gluten-free products and opportunities exist to provide a
gluten-free range (particularly savoury items), provided the products are at
a reasonable cost.
All products are sourced from Irish producers and distributors, with the
exception of their coffee which is imported and sold under their own brand.
Esquires would consider introducing new brands to stores that match their
product mix.

Purchasing policy and supplier requirements

Esquires sources predominantly from Irish distributors, as they can bulk-
buy for the best terms and gain national distribution. There is a preference
for Irish products through distributors.
Bread, fruit and vegetables are all sourced locally. Esquires prefer to
minimise the total number of suppliers to five or six in order to make it
easier for the franchisees.

The Company’s purchasing policy is quality first, service second and
competitive pricing third.

Supplier requirements are ISO 9002 and HACCP. There is no charge for
supplier audits.

Product sourcing is centralised through the Head Office. The General
Manager and the Managing Director negotiate with suppliers. The stores
place the orders from an approved list of suppliers via email/online or
phone.

Deliveries are made direct to stores, three to six days per week.

Produce is predominantly chilled, with two thirds of products chilled and
one third frozen. The chilled component is growing.

Preferred case size and shelf life requirements vary by product.

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