Grimsby logistics firm adds beer distribution to group with crafty acquisition

An expanding Grimsby logistics group has added a chilled beer distribution operation to its portfolio.

The directors behind Fardel Shipping Ltd and Hedges Chilled Distribution Ltd, Ciaron Reynolds and Paul Jackson, have invested in Norfolk-based Jolly Good Beer. It delivers wholesale services to the drinks trade, providing a vital link between more than 40 independent breweries and pubs, stretching from the South Coast to Oxfordshire and up towards Leeds and Manchester.

A team of 14, led by founder Yvan Seth, operate a fleet of five chilled vehicles, including two HGVs, with a Kent delivery hub servicing London and surrounds as well as the 4,000 sq ft Upwell base, near Wisbech.

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Mr Reynolds said: “We are delighted to bring Jolly Good Beer into our group of companies. Jolly Good Beer provides an excellent quality of service for its customers, many of whom we also work with on a daily basis. Yvan and his team share our recognition that good logistics are important to good product condition.

“There are many synergies between our companies that we will combine to establish a wider distribution network that our customers can rely upon for many years to come.”

Launched nine years ago, with a second hand van and refrigerated shipping container in Cambridgeshire, Mr Seth told how the hospitality sector and its supply chain has been “weathering a perfect storm through the pandemic and now the challenges of the current economic conditions”. Proud to have made it through tough times, he has welcomed the undisclosed investment in a business that has craft producers at the fore.

He said: “Jolly Good Beer will continue to provide its wholesale services for beer and associated products, which will now be bolstered by Hedges Chilled Distribution network, chilled bonded warehousing, e-commerce solutions and chilled consolidation shipping links between the UK and EU operated by Fardel Shipping Ltd.

“We’ve enjoyed working with Fardel and Hedges in the past and know they provide excellent chilled logistics services. This is a highly complementary joining of forces, combining their resources and service model with our direct-to-trade wholesale network. Beyond significantly stabilising JGB after three years of difficult times this partnership gives us access to a wealth of capabilities that will allow us to expand coverage, range, and services to better serve brewers and trade customers.”

Fardel launched in 2009, and based in Dudley Street, specialises in temperature-controlled logistics and customs clearance services across a wide range of business sectors. It acquired Waltham-based Hedges in 2018.