It’s a double celebration for local fruit and flower wholesaler & retailer, Robinson’s, as it celebrates its 130th anniversary with a nomination for a prestigious award in London.
Robinson’s is the Isle of Man’s leading fruit and flower retailer and wholesaler which has been owned and run by family members for five generations. From humble beginnings as a small market stall, the company has grown to employ 175 members of staff, serving a number of large businesses and consumers throughout the island and the UK.
The hard work, commitment and vision of staff at Robinson’s have now paid off with news of Robinson’s being shortlisted to the final three for the Gold Medal Wholesale Service to Caterers (Independent retailers). The prestigious Federation of Wholesale Distributors awards will be held at Old Billingsgate, a former wholesale market, in London on 24th November. Robinson’s will join some of the biggest names in the food industry at the event which recognises the individuals, teams, products and innovations which have stood out over the past 12 months.
Robinson’s Director, Matty Mathieson-Nelson, said: “We were anonymously nominated for this award and the judges were impressed by the diversity of our business with difficult areas such as produce, fish and prepared foods being supplied alongside the 6,000 other products. They thought it was remarkable for a small island and were also impressed with our plans to introduce new technology to broaden our service.”
Robinson’s currently supplies Shoprite, Little Shoprite, Spa and Pickwick stores throughout the Isle of Man as well as supplying over 5,000 different product lines to over 80% of businesses, schools, hospitals, restaurants and caterers on the island. The company also has two World Food Market outlets at Prospect Terrace in Douglas and Cooil Road in Braddan.
The company places a strong emphasis on working with local producers and supporting the community, while carrying out its mission ‘to serve the freshest produce and flowers at the best value with superb customer services’.
Managing Director, John Horsthuis, commented: “This is a great tribute to our whole team who give the most amazing service. Most of whom have been with us for many years and understand how important customer service is, especially on an island.”
