Cleone Foods is a privately owned limited company employing 50 staff

They manufacture “Island Delight” Jamaican Patties and Slices, utilising BRC Global Food Standard Accredited Quality Systems. With national supermarket chains such as ASDA, Tesco and Sainsbury’s as their main customers, they also supply foodservice, independent retailers and distributors.

Established in 1986 by MD Wade Lyn in Newtown, Birmingham, the company has experienced consistent growth, enabling relocation in 1994 to larger premises in Hockley.

This growth was recognised by Inner City 100 awards in 2001 & 2002; they were also awarded Investors in People in 2002. Annual turnover is £2.5m.

Case Study

Cleone sources from other local independent business, retaining vital circulation of finance within the local community, while also providing direct cost savings from increased efficiency.

From establishment of the business, there was a conscious decision that wherever possible ingredients and services would be sourced from other local independent businesses, retaining vital circulation of finance within the local community, while providing direct cost savings from increased efficiency and environmental benefits by reducing transportation.

Family friendly policies are emphasised, with the production shift set from 9:30-3:00pm facilitating employment of local people with school-age children. Recruitment policy prioritises internal promotion over external recruitment as Personal Development and staff retention is regarded as vital to increase and retain experience, escalating company development and community benefits within a virtuous circle.

Impacts

• Recycling scheme – waste sent to landfill reduced by 70% with savings of over £1000 per year since inception.
• Energy usage: reduction and efficiency measures reduced electricity consumption by an estimated 1-2%.
• Packaging reduction & impact minimisation programme; new cases featuring 80% recycled board provided an 8% reduction weight, removing at least 2.3 tonnes of corrugated board per year from the distribution chain.
• Cold Chain Deliveries were consolidated, reducing 3rd party vehicle movements by 33%.
• • The only major UK manufacturer in their sector to implement Biodegradable, home compostable flow wrap on their products.