1st Food & Drink Fair Trade Food Supplier

Established over 7 years ago, 1st Food & Drink specialise in supplying vending systems and wholesailing products to local and national businesses. Our portfolio of clients includes local councils, hospitals, schools, colleges and universities as well as the wider business community. In late 2007 with the addition of  a specialist team at the helm we diversified into three core areas of business, 1st Food & Drink Wholesale, 1st Food and Drink Vending and 1st Food & Drink Internet. When creating these divisions we wanted to drive 1st Food & Drink in a way that meant that our existing and potential future customers were getting the best from us, as well as receiving competitive wholesale pricing and bespoke service agreements. By creating these three divisions and providing the right products and focus 1st Food & Drink can be provided a better service for all our customers. During 2007 1st Food & Drink  also attained the status as a nominated supplier to SNUPI ( Scottish & North University Purchasing Initiative) and full supplier approval via STS, enabling us to trade with the NHS and Local & National Hospital Trusts.

1st Food & Drink Wholesale Fair Trade Food Supplies

The wholesale division within our business supplies our existing and new customers with ambient products including drinks, snacks, confectionary, cans and bottles. More recently with the acquisition of a specialist supply company we now offer an increased range of handmade cakes, tray bakes, specialist waters as well as an increased Fairtrade/Ethically traded product range.

The Fairtrade element to our business is very important and we are constantly looking out for new products and innovations within this market so we can drive home the message that everyone if possible should be looking at incorporating Fair Trade products into their lives & businesses so that the people around the world who supply these products in some of the most poverty stricken areas can attain a descent return for their goods / produce. We also actively promote two Ethically Traded Waters - Thirsty Planet and Love One who donate 5p back from each bottle sold to their respective Fresh Water Well Projects in Sub Saharan Africa. 

1st Food & Drink Fair Trade Vending Machine Supplies

The vending or fully managed service division supplies a wide range of vending machines/systems and services ranging from FLAVIA filter pack and loose ingredients table top machines to Klix and loose ingredient floor standing hot drinks machines. We can also supply snack, can and bottle machines, with size and capacity options available to suit our clients individual requirements. Once Installed we can then either supply the products directly via our wholesale division for a DIY operation or provide a Fully Managed Service operating the equipment for and on behalf of our clients.

In line with our Fair Trade Activity and Stance we are now providing Coffee & Tea Machines that sell Fair Trade Coffee & Tea only as well as currently looking at the viability of Fair Trade Snack & Confectionary vending machines which would sell a variety of Fairtrade Chocolate and Snack Products.

1st Food & Drink Internet

The Internet Division is our newest addition to our business and it means we can now offer our customers a complete range of systems and products over the internet as well as wholesailing our products to anyone within the UK market be that a business or private customer. When setting up this site we wanted to offer brand leading products as well as a global Fairtrade and ethically traded product range which would appeal to all and make these products more accessible to anyone and everyone.

Company Summary

Above all at our core business ethos we wanted to make it EASY to do business with 1st Food & Drink across all our divisions and to that end we have delayed our web site until we were sure we could offer a secure, safe, shopping experience that would be easy to follow and suitable for all. We also pride ourselves on taking a consultative approach with our clients and due to being independent and not tied into any one machine manufacturer we find we can match more clearly our clients needs with the right product or service. If you don't see a product it doesn't mean we won't source it for you. If this is the case call us on 0161 643 0044 and ask to speak to our sales team or email your machine/product requirements to sales@1stfood-drink.co.uk

I trust the above provides you with a brief insight into how 1st Food & Drink operates and strives to supply great brand leading products along side Fairtrade and ethically traded products at competitive prices whilst above all making it EASY for our customers to do business with us.                                         

Mark McLachlan Sales & Marketing Manager 1st Food & Drink.