PepsiCo UK will establish a new van sales operation to deliver Walkers snack products direct to independent retailers, foodservice operators and the licensed trade.

This follows the announcement that Palmer and Harvey has gone into administration and will therefore no longer be providing a direct-to-store service.

The new operation will provide a direct-to-store service with Walkers-branded vans delivering products to thousands of outlets around the country. PepsiCo says it is in discussions with a third party to provide warehousing and depot services to support its vans operation. 

Huseyin Tulpar, vice president, impulse sales at PepsiCo UK, said: “The wholesale market is experiencing a significant amount of change and our focus is to ensure that our customers’ needs are being met in the absence of the important direct to store service previously provided by P&H.

“By establishing our own van sales delivery operation, we can quickly replace that service and ensure our retail customers are getting the direct-to-store service and the continuity of supply they require. It is part of our long-standing commitment to the impulse market and to supporting local retailers.”