JJ Foodservice completes cloud IT upgrade to boost service efficiency

Food and drink wholesaler JJ Foodservice has successfully moved its core business systems to the cloud with Microsoft Dynamics 365.

The new system is designed to improve reporting and data insights, enabling faster, more informed decision-making across the business. The upgrade is the result of more than six years of planning and development in partnership with Microsoft.

With around 80% of transactions already processed digitally across more than 4,000 product lines, JJ Foodservice needed to have a reliable and scalable system as it is critical to day-to-day operations.

The new platform will support all 14 JJ Foodservice branches, managing everything from stock and deliveries to sales and finance in one connected system.

Michael Dudley, chief technology officer at JJ Foodservice, said: “Moving to Dynamics 365 is ultimately about giving our customers a more reliable and efficient service. For busy kitchens, knowing that orders are accurate, products are available and deliveries run smoothly makes a real difference day-to-day.

“By bringing our systems together and improving visibility across stock, logistics and sales, we can respond faster and keep customers better informed. While much of this sits behind the scenes, it results in a more consistent experience for operators.”

Dudley added that the move supports the wholesaler’s wider sustainability goals by “reducing reliance on on-site infrastructure and increasing digital processing” which should lower energy usage and cut down on paper across ordering, invoicing and reporting.

“It also gives us a strong foundation to keep improving, whether that’s introducing live delivery tracking or using AI to streamline processes. The goal is simple – to make ordering from JJ as easy, dependable and forward-thinking as possible,” he said.

JJ Foodservice is additionally exploring the use of AI tools to automate routine tasks such as bank reconciliation, supplier communications and pricing agreements.

The firm, which won Food and Drink Wholesaler of the Year at The Caterer’s Supplier Awards 2026, recently added depots in Ipswich and Nottingham to its network.

This followed the company securing a £3m-a-year deal with NEPO, the procurement arm of north east England local authorities.

In 2024, the wholesaler acquired London-based Gatelands Supplies as part of its expansion plans to supply Asian restaurants.