Warrington firm offers Spanish Passion

THE head of a Glazebury-based haulage and distribution firm is attempting to launch a new range of Spanish food into the UK market.

Stephen Penketh of distribution firm Total Storage is launching the Spanish Passion range after working with a series of independent artisan producers in Spain to create a new brand to market their products.

“We’re bringing a lot of family companies who are very good at what they do and introducing them to the UK under one brand,” said Mr Penketh.

He said that his family had been working with a group of Spanish family-owned firms – some of whom were already using the company’s 110,000 sq ft base for distribution for many years. Total Storage currently employs around 35 people and has a turnover of around £1.6m, but the family have established a separate company, TSL Foods, for the new venture.

“As a family, we love Spain and we’ve we’ve got to know many producers with some really superb products.”

The firm has launched Spanish Passion with a “Deli” range and an “Artisan Collection” of sopus and sauces. The range will feature an initial 27 products, although Mr Penketh said there are plans to introduce a further 15 products if sales show promise. One of these is a Rioja wine from Grupo Berceo which he said will complement existing products.

“We’re really exited about that,” he added.

The firm intends to sell the products directly through its website and through independent retailers, farm shops and possibly even supermarkets.

“We’re looking at retailers of all shapes and sizes,” he added.