East Yorkshire fine food firm Cartwright & Butler has invested £100,000 in its hamper-packing facilities and IT systems as it gears up for future growth.
The new facilities hope to significantly boost sustainability as well as ease demand for the suppliers’ luxury hampers ahead of the festive period.
Investments include packaging benches and a baling machine, which enables the brand to turn cardboard waste into recyclable bale.
The new industry-leading equipment means Cartwright & Butler’s hampers will be packaged using 100 per cent biodegradable paper instead of plastic.
Nigel Arnett, butler service concierge manager at Cartwright & Butler, said: “The decision to invest in our packaging facilities supports our growing business needs and has been carefully planned to ensure that we offer the best possible service to our customers.
“We’re passionate about tackling the ongoing plastic waste issues surrounding the food industry, and our investment into sustainable materials is testament to our ongoing ambition to leave a positive impact on our planet, which future generations will inherit.”
Cartwright & Butler’s recent 55 per cent growth in its corporate gifting arm is a key reason for the investment.
The brand was founded in 1981, with the rights to the business being acquired by the Arnett family in 2010.
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Since then, Cartwright & Butler has rapidly risen to become a globally recognised brand, with a turnover target of £9.3 million for 2019.
In addition to listings in prestigious outlets like Harrods, Selfridges, Liberty of London and Harvey Nichols, the brand currently exports to 43 countries worldwide, including to luxury overseas retailers like David Jones of Sydney and Farmers of New Zealand.
Since 2012, Cartwright & Butler’s employee count has increased from 4 to 35.
Its new hamper-packing facilities, which can accommodate up to 60 people, will also enable the food supplier to further expand its operations team for the upcoming Christmas period.
Earlier this year, Cartwright & Butler took on new staff to meet rising demand for its luxury gift products.
The firm’s unprecedented growth has subsequently facilitated significant investment at its Gilberdyke site in East Yorkshire.