Pilgrim Foodservice, an independently owned and operated food wholesaler is set to open a new depot in Colchester during the spring of 2024. The £3 million project includes demolition of two existing structures, allowing for the construction of a new purpose-built warehouse incorporating seven loading docks. Building work is already underway on site.
The new Colchester depot forms part of the wider company’s £11.5 million investment strategy, which also sees investment in recruiting and developing its people, upgrading operating systems and facility enhancements at the company’s main site in Boston, Lincolnshire, alongside the renewal and expansion of the company's fleet. The new depot is expected to create over 20 jobs locally, which include a depot manager role, as well as Class 2 HGV drivers, and will enable the wholesaler to expand its operations across Essex, Suffolk, and London.
Pilgrim Foodservice, a second-generation family business, was founded in 1979 by Peter Bateman. The company, now led by Peter’s son Charles, has grown to employ a team of over 330 and specialises in providing a diverse range of premium products, including fresh produce, prepared vegetables, essential pantry items, chilled and frozen goods, fresh fish, and high-quality fresh meat sourced from their in-house butchery business, C.J. Butchers. The company prides itself on hand-delivering these products to independent restaurants, hotels, and cafés across East Anglia, the East and West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, as well as London.
Charles Bateman, Managing Director at Pilgrim Foodservice, commented: “The opening of our first satellite depot marks another step forward for our growth plans. The addition of this depot will support our vision and ensure we continue to provide our customers with the finest products and first-class customer service.”
Cllr Alison Jay, Colchester City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Transformation and Performance, adds: “Pilgrim Foodservice’s expansion in Colchester ticks all the boxes – 20 new jobs, a vibrant business, and a shot in the arm for Colchester's economy. We are delighted to see this family-run business investing in our city and confident that their new depot will be a win-win for Colchester.”