Aramark's Chef Direct distribution deal slashes road miles

Aramark has reduced road miles by 50% and the number of deliveries across its UK portfolio by 60% thanks to a supply and distribution deal with Chef Direct.

The deal has also meant, according to an independent body, that Aramark is on track to cut carbon emissions related to the delivery of goods by a third by the end of 2013, compared with the emissions total before the new distribution partnership began.

Aramark partnered with Chef Direct last October as its new distribution service partner. Chef Direct uses multi-temperature vehicles meaning that all products can be brought to client sites in one lorry or van, reducing the number of deliveries and miles travelled.

Matthew Flood, Aramark logistics director, said: "Typically, our clients will have to report on their own impact on the environment. By working with Aramark they can demonstrate that substantial and meaningful steps are being taken to reduce their carbon footprint via their supply base."

As part of its analysis, Aramark carried out micro-studies of selected clients and found that, for one ten-site business & industry client, the move to Chef Direct had seen deliveries fall by 63.5%, taking 40,000 miles off the road each year. Another business & industry client is on track for a 92% reduction in road miles travelled by suppliers.

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