Co-op has extended its long-standing logistics partnership with Cambridgeshire-based haulier Buffaload, awarding the company a new five-year contract. The agreement builds on a relationship spanning more than a decade between the two businesses.

Under the renewed contract, Buffaload will continue trunking ambient goods from Co-op’s National Distribution Centre in Coventry to 11 regional distribution centres across the UK. From there, products are distributed to local Co-op stores serving communities in towns, cities and villages nationwide.

Sustainability remains central to the partnership. Over the past year, Buffaload has expanded its fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicles and committed to running them on bio-LNG sourced from food and agricultural waste. The move is expected to deliver significant reductions in tailpipe emissions as both companies work toward lowering carbon output across the supply chain.

John Kerrigan, CEO of Buffaload, said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Co op by adding ambient logistics to our well established temperature controlled network. This is testament to our long standing collaborative relationship with Co op, which reaches well beyond logistics, including support for shared charitable partnerships such as Barnardo’s and the role we play in working with Co op suppliers to provide carbon reduction solutions. We look forward to achieving even more together.”

Stuart Rendall, Co-op’s Head of Logistic Operations, said: “Extending and deepening our work with Buffaload is an exciting development, we have a shared history of collaboration and innovation. We are focused on serving communities in every postal area of the UK and working round the clock to ensure a resilient and effective supply and logistics operation – enabling shoppers to pop to their local Co-op conveniently for their favourite meals or everyday essentials. With our successful work together over the years and shared commitments to carbon reduction we are really looking forward to the next chapter in our partnership.”