Look Behind You!

In the words of John Lennon, ‘so this is Christmas’!  Of course, as the CEO of DB Foods, I am obliged to highlight the association with turkeys, pigs in blankets and roast dinners, but this Christmas feels like so much more.

As we start the festive season and reach the end of the year, there can be no doubt that 2021 has been a year of outstanding achievement and success.  Despite obstacles presented by the COVID pandemic, the impact of Brexit, national fears over transportation and uncertainty in many sectors we supply, DB Foods has not only survived, but positively thrived.

We revealed our new brand and website at the start of the year, celebrated our 30^th Anniversary, launched our ‘DB Select’ range and welcomed new customers from across the country.

As I turn my mind to the annual family trip to the theatre, I can’t help but think those watching our industry have seen quite a show; ‘Hospitality Sector Closed’ BOO!  ‘Issues with Trade’ BOO! ‘Lack of Drivers’ BOO!

However, I like to think that the DB Foods audience has had a lot to cheer about. We have seen financial growth that exceeded all expectation, completed major development projects at our distribution site in Banbury, created a new Customer Charter and even made some exciting plans for 2022 (and, yes, I am being deliberately vague because you never ruin surprises at Christmas!)

We always heed the advice when told to ‘Look behind you!’ and we have even had to tackle unexpected problems (in fact if 2021 were a pantomime, there has been one villain too many!) but it is with immense pride that I can say that the past year has been a huge success.

Why?  For me, it is loyalty leading to a great synergy.  We have an incredible team with a strong sense of belonging and a powerful purpose, from Directors and Managers, to Warehouse and Production specialists and the Clerical and Distribution teams, who have pulled together in order to look after each other and offer support wherever possible, even when not part of their job description.

Our staff care about our company, its future and success for their colleagues, the suppliers we work with, our customers and our customers’ customers. We are so grateful to have people who understand that each individual is part of a bigger picture, which is part of a supply chain relied on by people up and down the country. This synergy that runs deep through DB Foods underpins the foundation of a remarkable business that I am proud to lead.

So, it with huge thanks to our staff, to our suppliers, and all our loyal customers, I wish everyone a Happy Christmas and all the very best for the New Year.

Gary Smith
CEO
DB Foods