UK grocery wholesaler A.F. Blakemore & Son picks RELEX Solutions to automate forecasting and replenishment

A.F. Blakemore & Son, the largest SPAR wholesaler in the UK, is working with RELEX Solutions to automate and optimise its supply chain processes. 

A.F. Blakemore has 9,000 SKUs in its product range and an annual turnover of £1.2 billion in 2022. The RELEX software will be implemented at its distribution centres, using the solution for forecasting and replenishment of fresh, ambient and frozen categories.  

The system uses AI and machine learning-based analytics and replaces A.F. Blakemore’s previous arrangement of multiple overlapping ERP systems and manual spreadsheets. 

Marc Deakin, Supply Chain Director at A.F Blakemore, says: “With our new RELEX powered automated planning system, we aim to improve availability of in-store stock for customers, while also reducing waste and freeing up staff to focus on other core tasks.” 

He adds: “RELEX has a well earned reputation based on their in-depth understanding of the convenience and grocery sector, including long-term relationships working with other SPAR franchise operators in both the UK and mainland Europe and also the performance of their technology solutions in streamlining and improving multiple supply chain processes through automation. It was the natural choice to meet our operational needs.” 

“Wholesalers and retailers alike today face a range of competing and interconnected business challenges, including managing costs, reducing waste, and handling disruptions to supply chains so that customers can continue to buy the products they want,” says Jason Berry, VP of Sales for EMEA at RELEX Solutions.  

“AI and machine learning have a significant role to play in addressing these challenges by processing all relevant data at scale for far greater accuracy in forecasting and replenishment. We’re very pleased to work with A F Blakemore to automate this critical part of its operations.”