Gist, who specialises in temperature and time sensitive supply chains, will consolidate the three currently separate supply chains for ambient, chill and dairy products into a single, flexible and cost-efficient logistics operation.

Significantly reduced numbers of store deliveries, to be undertaken overnight, will reduce traffic congestion and cut disruption to store teams who will be freed up to focus on delivering great service to customers. Starbucks will also benefit from reduced operational costs, increased flexibility and improved environmental performance through network optimisation. The new solution will cut the number of deliveries to each Starbucks store by more than 50%.

Individual store orders will be picked and delivered to all 700+ Starbucks locations across the UK and Ireland using Gist's extensive temperature-controlled distribution network.

Philippe de Grivel, director of supply chain operations Starbucks UK & Ireland, said: "Our new partnership with Gist will significantly enhance the agility, flexibility and overall performance of our end to end supply chain. Furthermore, consistent and consolidated deliveries will enable our partners (employees) to provide even greater levels of customer service for our customers. They will also help contribute towards our environmental commitments by reducing our carbon footprint."

Martin Gwynn, Chief Executive, Gist, said: "We are delighted that Starbucks has chosen Gist to be their supply chain partner for the UK and Ireland. Consolidating three supply chains into one efficient operation will enable Starbucks to extract the best from their supply chain on an ongoing basis; improve the speed with which they can bring new products to market and increasing the supply chain flexibility required to manage their dynamic business even more effectively."

For further information, please contact:

Kate Brown

kate.brown@gistworld.com