The vegetarian and vegan revolution will grow in pace as concerned consumers choose healthier optionsA food supplier in Dorset is set to create new jobs after becoming part of a bigger business after “friendly and exciting” negotiations.
Coastline Produce Ltd has announced that it has agreed terms with Silverstar Foods Ltd that will see the two companies join forces in the near future.
More than 100 new jobs will be created between bases in Dorset, Kent and Lancashire in the next two years as the merged business will employ 500 people under the Silverstar Foods umbrella.
Currently, Coastline, which has bases in Christchurch, Kent and the Isle of Wight, supplies fresh produce and ingredients to customers across the south of the UK, with Silverstar based in Kent and Lancashire supplying cheese, charcuterie, deli and fine foods to hoteliers, caterers and retailers.
Managing director of Coastline, Chris Lewis, released a statement saying: “Combining the businesses will enable the two companies to improve our product range and service levels and build on our collective years and years of experience. As both companies have grown over the past few years, we have tried to maintain the personal touch our customers have always valued and this will remain a clear focus for the new business.
“We have always thrived on the success of our customers and continuing innovation in foodservice supply and distribution will see some exciting new developments unveiled in the coming months.”
The companies added: “This is a fantastic development at such an exciting time in the food industry in the UK; restaurants, pubs and hotels are thriving, the coffee and café market is buoyant, people are shopping locally and our contract catering and institutional customers are continually striving to deliver healthy, inspiring solutions to an increasingly demanding consumer.”
