KQF signs distribution deal with BAKO North Western

Halal food manufacturer KQF has signed a new distribution agreement with BAKO North Western that will see the company's range of convenience foods introduced to a raft of new wholesale customers.

BAKO North Western is part of one of the country’s leading food wholesale supply and distribution companies and, with its customer base of catering companies, bakers, restaurants, schools, universities and many other organisations, it will provide valuable market reach for the Lancashire-based manufacturer.

BAKO took the decision to work with KQF following a series of site visits and detailed discussions with senior managers. KQF's 'Grade A' BRC accreditation was an important factor in the company’s choice, as was its approval by the Halal Monitoring Committee, which is one of the UK's leading certification bodies for halal foods.

Speaking shortly after the signing of the agreement, KQF managing director Faruk Vali confirmed that BAKO North Western had approved the company as a supplier of halal foods.

“We’re delighted with the new agreement,” he said. “It’s an important achievement and we can be especially pleased that we got through the inspection process so smoothly. It can sometimes take months to gain approval but we did it in less than three weeks – and that’s testament to our BRC accreditation and the improved quality control procedures that we put in place last year.

"As a credible and well established wholesale supplier, BAKO North Western makes an excellent strategic partner for us. We have high quality products with proven halal credentials, and BAKO has an excellent distribution mechanism and a superb track record in the food service industry. The initial strategic focus of the agreement will be the North West region and we very much look forward to building the relationship."

For its part, BAKO is equally positive about the new relationship. BAKO North Western Category Buyer, Moya McBride said: "We are proud to stock such a fantastic range of locally sourced halal products." The agreement with BAKO follows a number of other recent developments at KQF, including the appointment of a new European export agent and the acquisition of a 5,000 sq ft superstore in Blackburn.