As a responsible organisation we are committed to the highest values assured to maintain, develop and promote the quality standards of food for those member producers of the wider industry who often suffer injustice and discimination within their local territories.

Closer to home, we also recognise and actively encourage the practice of sustainable procurement for locally sourced and ethically farmed produce, for the benefit of our customers and suppliers, but most importantly, for the greater good of the local community and the global environment.

Fairtrade certification

We recognise the long term benefits of supporting the initiatives of the Fairtrade Foundation, which endeavours to ensure better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.

We hold agreements with a number of organisations who support Fairtrade practices to address the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers.

Consequently, we stock a wide range of Fairtrade products which we make available to all of our customers. Our product range includes a selection of everyday and specialist teas; roast, ground and instant coffees; drinking chocolate, sugar, orange juice, confectionery and snacks.

Ask your local branch for a full list of our Fairtrade products - and if we don't stock it currently, our Buying team will endeavour to source it for you.

Sourcing local suppliers

As a UK food wholesaler we recognise the benefits of sourcing products on a local basis – particularly the resulting reduction in transport requirements and the subsequent environmental benefits.

Our Buying team will regularly attend local 'meet the buyer' events with the aim of developing sustainable local suppliers. Chosen suppliers will be introduced into dbc for the benefit of local customers, providing that they first meet the standards required under our Purchasing Policy.

Work within our local communities and those of our suppliers helps us to identify potential local suppliers, with our Buyers briefed to ensure that such suppliers are given the full opportunity of supplying their products to our customers.

Selecting organic produce

Like so many others within the food, health and  environmental arenas,  we actively encourage the practices of organic farming for fresh produce and the ethically rearing of meat and dairy products.

We support our customers who choose to buy produce which delivers health benefits for their diners, is less disruptive on the environment in which it is produced and maintains the highest standards of farming and animal husbandry.

As part of a program to encourage and develop sales of organic products, we have reached a strategic agreement with a specialist supplier of organic produce making available a wide range of produce, both in retail and catering pack size, for any of our customers who require them.