Pimpernel Wharf

Owned by the Stuart family since the 1960s,  Pimpernel Wharf is an experienced company in the procurement and importation of delicatessen products including continental cheeses, edible oils, antipasti and charcuterie. Pimpernel Wharf is based in Surrey, UK. The company has become a pioneer in supplying cheese and meat products across UK to its clients which include major supermarket chains, food manufacturers, food service, restaurant groups and wholesalers. 

Pimpernel Wharf is able to accommodate both large and small orders based on what each client requires. 

In 2016, Pimpernel Wharf attained a turnover of € 21 million. 10 people are employed by the company. 

Pimpernel Wharf offers products in the following categories:

• Dairy: Continental cheese, feta, goat's cheese, hard cheese, mozzarella, reduced fat cheese, soft cheese, speciality cheese, etc. 

• Chilled & Fresh Food: charcuterie, etc. 

• Savory Grocery: edible oils, etc.

Pimpernel Wharf imports cheese from suppliers in Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, France and Germany. 

The company has 4 distribution centres, notably in UK, Germany, France and Italy. Its logistics are controlled and streamlined by its own in-house transport manager. Pimpernel Wharf believes in using its resources as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, and thus have consolidation points in Europe and the UK. This arrangement is done to manage the stock internally when the product is not transported directly from the supplier.

Concerning the sourcing of products, Pimpernel Wharf has a well defined procurement process which has proven to be reliable. When a product is needed, the procurement team will receive a request and act upon it by first identifying the suppliers based on specific criteria such as logistics, volume, accreditation, etc. 

Once the suppliers are shortlisted, the prices are reviewed. Products are tested by the team and a pre-technical visit is organised with the suppliers in order to see whether all the requirements of the client can be met. Suggestions are also brought forward at this point to improve the products.

Samples are sent and the final specifications and modifications are decided after consulting the client’s product development team and the suppliers. All the commercial and technical procedures are carried out and finally, the product is supplied Via Pimpernel Wharf. 

UPDATES ON PIMPERNEL WHARF ON 15/01/2020

For 2020, the focus is on the dairy category. The firm is looking for various types of cheese such as traditional cheese from different parts of Europe. Pimpernel Wharf is also sourcing for dairy-free alternatives. 

Pimpernel Wharf is also interested in ready meals in the savory grocery category. 

For the Chilled & Fresh Food category, the business is looking for charcuterie, etc. 

Pimpernel Wharf is looking for brands but also for suppliers that produce products for their clients' private labels.