A leading supplier of ingredients to the bakery industry is embarking on an exciting new chapter after spending several years under the radar. BFP has undergone a major overhaul, unveiling a new management team, several significant investments and new branding as part of an exciting re-launch programme.

BFP dominated the bakery industry following its launch in 1932, but after being bought and sold several times by private equity firms, the business went into receivership in 2016 – and was ultimately rescued by Kent Foods.

Since then, the company has been quietly re-building and re-structuring, a process which was accelerated following the appointment of Managing Director Steve Lyons in July 2021.

He said: “We needed to take some time away from the spotlight to overhaul the business and get it back in a shape that we, and customers, could have complete confidence in.

“Since taking over the company, we’ve invested heavily in people, fleet, technology and infrastructure, and have consciously kept a low profile until we got the business back to the solid position it’s in now.”

The company has invested significantly in property in the last two years and now boasts close-to-nationwide coverage via three new depots in Edinburgh, Daventry and Bristol – in addition to existing sites in Lewes and Leeds. This equates to 230,000 sq ft of chilled and ambient storage space, and means high stock levels of every product can be held at every depot.

Investment in a wholly-owned, multi-temperature fleet with 250 tonnes of daily capacity, digitised warehouses and a new website with online ordering capability have also contributed to a huge improvement in the customer experience.

Meanwhile, BFP has reverted to its original focus of predominantly serving bakers. Lyons explained: “Over the years, our proposition became diluted as we tried to be all things to all people. We’ve re-set and our purpose is to help bakery flourish. We love bakers. Bakers are an integral part of our communities and our nation, and we’re here to provide them with all the materials and inspiration they need to practice their craft, including a wide range of over 650, always in stock products, coupled with outstanding value and supreme customer service. 

“Our new branding and website – which went live on Valentine’s Day (February 14) – reflect that. Our heart-shaped logo, created by merging two whisks, signifies our love and passion for the industry. It says ‘we’re back and we’re different – we’re here for you, we’re reliable and we care’.”

The new company strategy has seen customers flood back to BFP – sales are up 22% and customer numbers up 36% (Y-O-Y 2020 v 2021).

“These figures are a huge achievement,” continued Lyons, “particularly when others in the industry are reporting declines in both.

“We’re strong and we’re confident that we can deliver our promises to our customers, and have an ambitious five-year plan to regain our crown as the supplier of choice for the bakery industry.”

Editorial contact:
Editor: Kiran Grewal – kgrewal@kennedys.co.uk